THE future of the Swilly Ferry from Rathmullan to Buncrana could be in jeopardy if Donegal County Council are not in a position to give its operators ¤ 220,000 in subvention.
This is the figure given by the operators of the ferry which is needed to keep the service going next year.
According to Councillor Liam Blaney it is "imperative to keep the Rathmullan Ferry service up-and-running."
SHORTER PERIOD
"You have to look at the fact that the service was running for a much shorter period last year. Next year, it will be of the utmost importance not only to keep the service going, but also to extend its operational period because of the Fight of the Earls commemorations and the significance this area has for them." he said.
Another link created by the service was highlighted by Cllr. Ian McGarvey.
"All members are anxious that this service should be continued. We are all too well aware of the problems of isolation felt in this County, particularly in rural Donegal. This service provides a very important link for people and it must receive as much support as possible." he said. Cllr McGarvey added that the service needs to be more heavily advertised to alert people to the facility which is there for them. Congratulating Donegal County Council on taking the initiative to run the Swilly Ferry in the first place, Cllr Padraig MacLochlainn commented:
"To sustain the Swilly Ferry over the next year ¤ 225,000 is obviously a lot of money, but in reality, there is very little money spent on public transport in the county. Surely there is other funding which could be made available from initiatives such as Transport 21."
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING
"Over the next few months I think we should be looking at how to find alternative funding because Donegal County Council have taken this s far as they can." he added. Commenting on the success of the Foyle Ferry which goes from Greencastle to Magilligan, Cllr MacLochlainn stated: "The Foyle Ferry is now self-sufficient, having been in operation for five years. We need to find alternative ways of keeping the Swilly Ferry up-and-running too."
