Revival of a ferry link between Ireland and South Wales has been ruled out in the present economic and competitive climate. A report commissioned by Cork County Council and the Port of Cork stated that a service cannot be justified commercially on the basis of passenger and freight volumes which are available in the short term.
Strategic Transport Solutions International were brought in as a response to calls from tourism interests in Ireland, and also talked to Bristol port authorities. However, they believe it would be necessary to re-invent the South West of Ireland as a ‘must-see’ destination and secure long-term freight contracts.
Set up with financial backing in both Ireland and Wales, Swansea Cork Ferries,operated until 2006, initially using chartered Polish ferry Rogalin (1972/10,241gt) as Celtic Pride before a West Cork Co-operative created Fastnet Line and used the ferry Julia (1982/15,064) from 2010 until October 2011. Plans for a resumption on a seasonal basis last year were dashed.
