Swansea - Cork Ferry Suspension - 22nd Mar, 2007

Sian James MP has raised the issue over the suspension of the Swansea - Cork Ferry at Wales Office Questions

At Welsh Questions, Sian James asked Wales Office Minister Nick Ainger MP whether talks are underway to help bring back the Swansea Cork Ferry

Sian James MP said: "The Swansea Cork Ferry is a key economic and tourist link between our city and Ireland. It was very disappointing that services were suspended on the popular service this year.

"I very much welcome the introduction of the freight ferry service, however we must now concentrate our efforts on restoring the passenger link."

Nick Ainger MP said:

"Tourists spend more than £8 million a day on trips to Wales, and around 100,000 people in Wales - around nine per cent of the workforce - are employed in tourism.

"The reintroduction of the new freight-only ferry is welcome, but I understand that Swansea Cork Ferries intends to resume a full passenger service when it has bought a new vessel. "