Fastnetline

The President of University College Cork, Dr. Michael Murphy, has today (9TH February 2010) endorsed the new Cork to Swansea route aboard the M.V. Julia, which is due to commence on March lst next.

'I am supporting the Cork to Swansea route with Fastnet Line because of its manifest benefits to the region as a whole and to the University in particular', said Dr Murphy. "Many of UCC's 19,000 students are from families in the South-West region who will benefit directly and indirectly from the reconnection with Swansea and the expected resurgence in business and travel to Cork. As a major international university UCC collaborates with numerous universities and institutes in the UK on joint ventures, especially in the research and development arena. Overall, we expect a renewed level of interest in our educational capabilities at the University and throughout the South-West as a result of this initiative. The hosting of international academic workshops and conferences on both sides of the water will be encouraged by the convenience of comfortable overnight travel. We already have many students at UCC from the UK who will be able to use the route. The opportunity to travel by car between Cork and Swansea on such a well-equipped ship is an attractive proposition for students and their families, encouraging visitors to stay longer in the area and explore the educational options available in the region."

"UCC lecturers and researchers in departments ranging from Archaeology to Zoology and including Computing, Physiology, Health Sciences, French, Geology, Marine sciences, Psychology, Classics, Geography and English have all told me how much they welcome the advent of a direct and convenient link between Cork and the UK. Indeed, dozens of us at UCC in the past months have expressed our support in a practical way by joining the ferry co-operative to make it happen.