Major Developments in Irish Ferries Services

Irish Ferries and Stena Line Announce Significant Changes

Irish Ferries has announced that the cruise ferry, Isle of Innisfree, will replace the P&O freight ferry, Norbay, on the Pembroke to Rosslare route. Meanwhile, Stena Line has introduced changes to its management team, which will now see its craft on the Southern Corridor managed separately from other services on the Irish Sea. The company states this move is intended to “drive growth in the region.” These developments have been hailed as ‘enormously positive’ by politicians in both Pembrokeshire and southern Ireland.

Irish Ferries to Reintroduce Passenger Service

Ending Months of Uncertainty

The announcement from Irish Ferries ends months of uncertainty regarding the future of the Pembroke to Rosslare route. The company’s confirmation of the reintroduction of a full passenger service between these locations is expected to commence as early as June 2024. The Isle of Innisfree, which is being transferred from the Dover-Calais route, could be back on the Pembroke-Rosslare route as early as next month.

Political Support and Positive Outlook

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Marc Tierney and the Irish Labour Party candidate for Rosslare Municipal District, Damien Corish, have praised the recent developments on the southern Irish Sea corridor as ‘enormously positive.’

Addressing Brexit Challenges

Brexit’s Impact on Trade Links

In discussing the importance of maintaining strong links between Wales and Ireland, Cllr Marc Tierney highlighted the challenges presented by Brexit. He emphasized the need for continued support from the Welsh Government to ensure the viability of services between the two countries. He stated, “Brexit has and continues to present significant challenges to the viability of services between Wales and Ireland, which is why I have sought reassurances from the Welsh Government about their support for our ports and in the maintenance of these vital trade links.”

Restoring Full Passenger Services

Tierney added, “The decision to restore full passenger services between Pembroke and Rosslare with the transfer of the Isle of Innisfree from the Dover-Calais route is enormously positive, adding much-needed capacity over the busy summer months.”

Stena Line’s Management Changes

New Management Structure for Irish Sea Services

Stena Line has announced a restructuring of its management team, which will now oversee the Southern Corridor separately from other Irish Sea services. This change is intended to prioritize services between Rosslare and Fishguard. The new management structure includes separate Trade Directors for Irish Sea North and Irish Sea South, effective from June 1, 2024.

Prioritizing Key Routes

Damien Corish, who lives close to Rosslare Europort, welcomed the changes, stating that the new Ireland South division should focus on enhancing services between Rosslare and Fishguard. Corish also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong links with the UK, despite the expansion of services to France. He remarked, “We must never forget that Fishguard and Pembroke Dock have four sailings each day from Rosslare and these routes still carry many holidaymakers, day trippers, as well as freight vehicles. Great Britain remains an enormous market for Irish goods.”

Strengthening Cultural and Economic Ties

Cultural Connections

Corish highlighted the growing cultural ties between Wexford and West Wales, citing the recent development of a walking path, the Pilgrim’s Way, linking Ferns to St Davids, as tangible proof of this connection. He stated, “We also have strong growing cultural ties between Wexford and West Wales. The recent development of a walking path, the Pilgrim’s Way, linking Ferns to St Davids is tangible proof of that link.”

Conclusion

Positive Impact on the Region

The recent developments in ferry services between Ireland and Wales are seen as a significant boost for the region. The reintroduction of full passenger services on the Pembroke to Rosslare route by Irish Ferries and the strategic management changes by Stena Line are expected to enhance connectivity and drive growth in the southern Irish Sea corridor. Politicians and stakeholders on both sides of the Irish Sea have welcomed these changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong trade and cultural links between the two countries.