Government Urged to Deliver on Tory Island Ferry Service Promise
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The Government has been urged to deliver on a seven-year commitment to provide a new ferry service to and from Tory Island. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty TD made the call during a debate at Dáil Éireann, where he challenged the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD, on the lack of progress on the project.
According to Donegal Live, Deputy Doherty stated that the Government had made a commitment in 2018 to provide a new ferry service, which was supposed to be delivered within three years. However, despite the passing of time, there is still no boat, no ferry, and no plans for a ferry anytime soon.
“It was a commitment given by the Government in 2018 that a ferry would be provided and there was a vote on the island to deal with an issue that had arisen,” said Deputy Doherty, as reported by Donegal Live. “It was supposed to be delivered within three years, but there is no boat, no ferry and no plans for a ferry anytime soon. Now, there is a condition saying this is attached to a pier, although that had never been the case. There are ferries going in and out of Magheraroarty pier all the time. The Government needs to deliver on the commitment.”
Deputy Doherty also highlighted the benefits of a new boat service at Tory Island, which would be built at a cost of €4 million. According to Donegal Live, he stated that the new ferry would be suitable for the “difficult” journey and would increase the benefit for both islanders and tourism by reducing the travel time.
Minister Calleary responded that he had been told there was an “issue” with Magheraroarty Pier, and that Donegal County Council had been awarded funding for a report on that issue. He also stated that there was still a traditional and fast ferry service, which was “providing a strong service.” As reported by Donegal Live, Minister Calleary said he would visit Magheraroarty in the summer months of 2025, which was welcomed by Deputy Doherty.
“We are focused on delivering services we have the capacity to deliver, namely those fast sailings and the more traditional sailings, and I will continue to support those services,” stated Minister Calleary, according to Donegal Live. “I have far greater belief in getting to see something for myself and engaging with the community on the ground when we do that, as I will do over the summer.”
The issue of the Tory Island ferry service has been ongoing for several years, with the community expressing frustration at the lack of progress. As reported by Donegal Live, Deputy Doherty’s comments highlight the need for the Government to deliver on its commitment and provide a reliable and efficient ferry service to and from the island.
In conclusion, the Government has been urged to deliver on its promise to provide a new ferry service to and from Tory Island. The project has been ongoing for several years, and the community is eagerly awaiting the delivery of a reliable and efficient ferry service. As Donegal Live reports, Deputy Doherty’s comments highlight the need for the Government to take action and deliver on its commitment.
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