PRESS RELEASE - MARCH 10th
Fastnet Line’s MV Julia sets sail for Cork amidst great expectations of increased tourism traffic to and from Ireland and Wales, and pre-bookings topping €1m.
Fastnet Line’s MV Julia has set sail on its inaugural trip from Swansea to Cork tonight (10th March 2010), commencing its car/passenger and freight ferry service across the Irish Sea. Having completed its dry-docking process successfully and achieved relevant certification and testing of safety systems, the ship has met the strict requirements demanded by the International Safety Management Code (ISM).
The 1,860 passenger, car and commercial freight-carrying vessel, which has captured the hearts and imagination of the Irish and Welsh nations, has received booking revenues in excess of €1m to date.
Dubbed ‘The People’s Ship’, the MV Julia is the realisation of the dreams of several small business owners and interested individuals who formed The West Cork Tourism Co-Operative, acknowledging the wisdom of a sea link with the UK, and Wales in particular. Having set about purchasing a ship to help revive the dwindling in-coming tourist numbers, and with the help and goodwill of several private investors, small companies and organisations (including some investors from outside Ireland), the consortium overcame several obstacles and the ship and its shipping line – Fastnet Line – became a reality.
Commenting on the commencement of the service and bookings to date, Tom Barrett CEO of Fastnet Line told us: ‘Bookings are very encouraging, and the time and road trip savings of over 370 miles over alternative sea crossings to this area, along with the direct access to the M4 on arrival in Swansea, are being well received by our passengers. Following the dry-docking at Harris Pye we are ready for sea and would like to take this opportunity to thank ABP Ports for their co-operation throughout the project. We have an excellent team aboard the ship, are very confident that the route will succeed and are heartened by the support from both sides of the Irish Sea to date.
The Welsh Assembly’s Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: ‘The Welsh Assembly Government fully supports the initiative and recognises the benefits to tourism on both sides of the Irish Sea. Our tourism arm, Visit Wales, continually promotes Wales in the Irish marketplace and we look forward to the flow of tourists into the country.’Mr Jones, who is also the Minister for the Economy and Transport added: ‘We are fostering strong relationships with the Irish government, and with tourism and civic authorities to ensure that this route is a success. There is an undoubted connection between the people of Wales and the people of Ireland and this new service will strengthen these ties.’
Prior to his resignation yesterday due to health reasons, Ireland’s Minister for Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, said: "I welcome this significant local initiative and congratulate all those involved in setting up the new Cork to Swansea route. The commencement of this service is an example of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Irish tourism sector and demonstrates their commitment and willingness to rise to the challenge and be proactive in the current economic climate. Tourism Ireland looks forward to working closely with Fastnet Line through its cooperative marketing campaigns, to support demand for this service in our all-important British tourism market and in particular, to grow tourism business into the Cork, Kerry and southern region."
