THE Dún Laoghaire business community will not be affected by the decision last week by Stena Line to end its seasonal passenger ferry service from the town to Holyhead, a local group has insisted.
Despite widespread expressions of concern for the future of the town’s economy following the announcement, the Dún Laoghaire BID company said it expects no negative impact on the local business community.
The BID company said the Stena move will not affect retailers as Dún Laoghaire Harbour has been designated as a marine and leisure destination by the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company Master plan and the National Ports Policy.
The BID focus on attracting leisure visitors, especially from the cruise industry, will be realised with over 100,000 cruise passengers set to arrive in Dún Laoghaire this summer, following an intense international marketing campaign by the Dún Laoghaire Cruise Stakeholders group, of which the BID Company is a member.
“The 100,000 cruise visitors arriving this summer represent phenomenal growth for the cruise tourism sector in Dún Laoghaire, up from 30,000 cruise visitors in 2013,
? the company said in a statement.
“Extensive plans are now in place for the continued rapid development of the lucrative market in the coming years.
?
Don McManus, Chairman of the Dún Laoghaire BID company, added:
“The cruise ship market is the fastest-growing sector in the travel and leisure industry. Globally, it is experiencing accelerated growth of 7.2 per cent per annum despite the tourism industry declining overall.
“It generates direct spend in Ireland in excess of
?¬20 million per annum, however, this is a tiny fraction of the
?¬27 billion the market is worth globally.
“We would urge the Minister to implement the National Ports Policy, so we can continue to drive the rapid development of Dún Laoghaire’s cruise industry. Not only will it boost local business but it will result in an increase in employment in the area.
?
In a statement issued last week, Stena Line stated that it will be concentrating on expanding its existing ferry service at Dublin Port.
Ian Davies, Stena Line’s Route Manager for Irish Sea South, said:
“With two services operating approximately 10 miles apart we needed to make a decision in relation to what operation best serves the needs of our customers now and in the years ahead, and that operation is Dublin Port.
?
The announcement was described as a
“sad day
? for Dun Laoghaire by Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG).
Speaking in the Dail, Deputy O’Conner said it marked the end of an era.
“Dun Laoghaire harbour has been left adrift today with no plan for its future, indeed its future survival,
? she said.
“In response we need an immediate taskforce to secure the future of the harbour.
?
Cllr Mary Hanafin (FF) said the Stena withdrawal would have a huge impact on the local economy in Dun Laoghaire.
“The route to Holyhead has been in operation for decades and has been a huge part of the character of our community and a big contributor to the local economy,
? she said.
“It is essential we see a new carrier brought on board in Dun Laoghaire to ensure further development of the marine features for the town.
?
Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF) said:
“The withdrawal of this service marks the end of an era and represents a significant blow to Dún Laoghaire Town.
?
Fine Gael councillor John Bailey described the news as
“a devastating blow
?.
“This will have a huge impact on our local businesses, as well as employment,
? he said.
“The loss of
?¬4.5 in annual fees for berthing is massive.
?
Deputy Eamon Gilmore (Lab) said he would be in touch with Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe to ask him directly to engage with the Harbour Company in their bid to find a new provider.