In these tough economic times, there is one piece of good news on the horizon - it’s almost certain that the Cork Swansea Ferry Service will be reinstated!

Now, it’s not sure when, but it’s looking very promising for the 2009 tourist season.

This long awaited good news will be warmly welcomed by the people and businesses of the south west of Ireland, who have been left without this vital lifeline since the service was abruptly ended back in late 2006.

The Swansea Cork ferry route provides one of the main transport links with Kerry and Cork to Wales, the UK and Europe. The ferry route has been a major point of entry for visitors to the Kerry/Cork area since it was set up in 1987. Since the service was cancelled, it’s estimated that the region’s tourism industry alone has suffered losses in the region of €35 million. Hauliers have also been severely affected and now have to spend extra money and time on long distant journeys.

The reinstatement of this ferry service will be a major boost for the struggling economy of the south west of Ireland.

So how close is the ferry service to actual reinstatement? Well currently, it’s understood that a new experienced operator has been secured, new modern boats and marketing money are in place, but there’s still one all important piece of the jigsaw missing - 30% of the financial backing. The Port Of Cork are now appealing to tourism businesses in particular in the Munster area to make a small investment.

Let’s hope this financial backing is secured and the service is up and running soon - so then our visitors from the UK and beyond can plan their 2009 summer holidays to the beautiful south west of Ireland.

For more visit the www.bringbacktheswanseacorkferry.com a website solely dedicated to bringing back this service.

We’ve lots of Kerry hotels and Cork hotels for your stay in the south west this summer!

We would love to hear what you have to say about the Cork Swansea Ferry Service. Please leave you thoughts on this in the comment box below.