Erin McGreehan has expressed disappointment following confirmation that the Carlingford Lough Ferry service will not operate during 2026.
The ferry, which first launched in 2017, has become an important tourism and community link between Counties Louth and Down, supporting local businesses, tourism operators and visitors on both sides of Carlingford Lough.
The representative said the loss of the service would be a setback for the wider Cooley Peninsula and Mourne region, while also acknowledging the long term challenges facing the route.
They said the service had struggled to achieve the level of commercial viability needed to sustain year round and long term operations without additional public support.
Over recent months, discussions have been taking place with Louth County Council, the Shared Island Unit and Minister Peter Burke in an effort to progress proposals aimed at securing a sustainable future for the cross border route.
The proposal being advanced by Louth County Council is centred around a PSO style model, similar to public service obligation supports used in other transport sectors. The model would recognise the ferry not simply as a private commercial venture, but as important tourism, regional connectivity and economic infrastructure for the wider Carlingford Lough region.
It is hoped that approach could provide a stable and sustainable long term future for ferry connectivity across the lough, with concerns that services of this nature face significant challenges without structured Government support.
The representative said the ferry had become much more than a transport service, describing it as an important part of the region’s identity and tourism offering, helping connect communities, support hospitality businesses and showcase the natural landscape of the area.
Engagements with the Minister, the Shared Island Unit and other stakeholders are expected to continue in an effort to explore options for restoring a sustainable ferry service in the future.
