Plaid Cymru MEP and Vice President Jill Evans, and South Wales West AM Bethan Jenkins, have this morning met with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones to discuss the possibility of reopening the Swansea – Cork ferry link for freight and passenger services.

It is estimated that around €3million is needed to secure the reopening of the link and recent reports have indicated that a vessel is close to being purchased.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Jill Evans, who represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament, said:

“The Swansea – Cork ferry link could be a real boost to the local economy and could be a real boost during the current financial climate.

"I was pleased to meet with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones to discuss the matter and sincerely hope the positive steps of late can materialise into a reopening of the link in the near future.”

Bethan Jenkins AM added:

“It is estimated that three million people used the Swansea-Cork ferry link when it was operational and current business plans forecast that the link would be profitable and bring huge benefits to both Cork and Swansea.

"The Deputy First Minister was very positive about the prospect of the link reopening soon and has promised to look into the matter further.”

Diwedd/Ends