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Argyll and Bute Council
officials met with representatives from Moyle District Council
this week to discuss plans for the potential reinstatement of
the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service.
At a meeting in Glasgow on
Thursday 8th February, Seamus Blaney, Chairperson of Moyle
District Council, and Allan Macaskill, Leader of Argyll and
Bute Council, both expressed optimism for the future of the
route in view of the upcoming Northern Ireland Assembly
elections.
Councillor Macaskill said:
“Argyll and Bute Council has previously been disappointed in
the lack of support from the current direct rule ministers in
Northern Ireland. |
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The
service was scrapped after three summers in service |
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“However,
we welcome support from politicians of all parties in Northern
Ireland and look forward to the Assembly investing in the
potential reinstatement of this unique tourist route.”
The
Scottish/Irish Cross-Border European Programme is a new
programme being introduced by the European Union to encourage
Southern Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland to have joint
projects and strengthen relationships.
This will
also offer opportunities to enhance co-operation between all
three countries for tourism, heritage, culture and
infrastructure. |
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The service was launched in June 1997 with Sea
Containers setting up the Argyll & Antrim Steam Packet
company, known as the AA Line, to run it.
It received £8m from public agencies and the
MV Claymore vessel was refitted for the service.
Operators hoped the twice-daily sailings
would create more than 200 jobs and raise £7m for tourism
across Scotland.
But the AA Line - reported to have lost
£500,000 a year on the route - confirmed it was unable to
continue in 2001. |
