Press Release -Ráiteas Nuchta

The Cailín Óir service has contracted to provide a temporary ferry service to Cape Clear Island for 9 months starting on 1 March 2010.
The company has charted a second vessel, the Dun Aongus for this period to supplement the Cailín Óir. The Dun Aongus , built in 1983 was recently refurbished and has a class 2A license. She is approximately 50 feet long and has a 15 ft beam and can carry 30 passengers in the winter and 64 in the summer. The main consideration in sourcing the vessel was that she has a load line to carry up to 7 tons of cargo which will largely fulfil the cargo carrying requirements of the Island. The vessel does not have a crane and arrangements will be put in place to load and unload the vessel using land based equipment.
Some changes and flexibility will be required to provide an adequate ferry service to the Island during this time. In the shoulder season additional sailings are proposed and at certain peak times the two boats will operate together to provide an hourly service from Baltimore. These changes will provide additional choice for the Island community and enhance the tourism industry on the Island. A public meeting will be held before the end of February to agree these changes with the Island Community.
During the weeks ahead the company has many challenges to overcome but is confident that the new service can be mobilised in the time available with the consideration and support of all concerned.

Séamus Ó Drisceoil,
Secretary, Cailín Óir Ferry Service
Runaí, Seirbhis Farantóireachta an Chailin Óir