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New Fastnet Line Chief Executive, Phil Jones, spoke at the official launch of the Swansea to Cork route on the MV Julia today (12 May 2010) and reported tourism traffic figures were 100% higher in April than predictions and pre bookings are currently exceeding expectations.
Fastnet Line’s Chief Executive Phil Jones met with Welsh businesses in Swansea today (Wednesday 12 May 2010) to officially launch the Swansea Cork route and deliver good news about the first two months of trading.
Funded mainly by private investors from West Cork in Ireland and Wales, the service has been dubbed “The Peoples’ Ferry” after a long public campaign to reintroduce the much-missed service to the South West region of Ireland. The innovative West Cork Tourism Co-op was established in April 2009, acquired the ship in September 09 with the first sailing on 11 March this year.
Since then, the 1,860 passengers, car and commercial freight-carrying vessel MV Julia has received booking revenues in excess of £3 million with over 15,000 passengers taking advantage of the convenient overnight sailings to-date.
Phil Jones, joined Fastnet Line as Chief Executive in April this year*, was buoyant in his assessment of the future market: “Despite seeing a significant uplift in tourism traffic as a result of grounded flights this month, the booking figures were already very strong since commencing sailing on 11 March this year.
“Hassle free access from London, the South East and the Midlands via the M4 and road trip savings of over 370 miles over alternative sea crossings are attracting passengers from all along the M4 corridor looking for an easy path to the great attractions of South West Ireland. We are working with Tourism Ireland in Great Britain and Visit Wales to help promote these two fantastic tourist destinations to our passengers.”
The Deputy First Minister of Wales, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: “I am delighted to see this innovative Co-op get off to such a great start. It was especially heartening to see Fastnet Line working with Cardiff Airport and other transport providers during the recent grounding of flights across Europe to offer solutions to tourists, and I wish them continued success.”
Paul O’Brien, General Manager, West Cork Tourism Co-operative Ltd, said some shareholders and members had already seen an uplift in business from restaurants to hotels and shops.
Bookings can be made on fastnetline.com . The year-round service on the 500 feet long MV Julia will carry passengers, cars and commercial freight and run six nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August. Sailing is overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 a.m. next day. With a capacity of 1,860 passengers, 440 cars, 40 trucks/trailers, and 300 cabins (including 14 deluxe cabins), the MV Julia is well suited to the route and to the enjoyment of a mini-cruise en route to Cork and Swansea.
The Julia offers a number of bars and restaurants, on-board cinema and retail space, children’s playing area, kennels for passengers pets and extensive deck areas to enhance the experience, there is no doubt but that this route adds an exciting new option for consumers and businesses alike. Casino and internet access will be available on board from early summer.
About Fastnet Line
Fastnet Line (fastnetline.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Cork Tourism Co-op which was set up in April 2009 following a long public campaign to reintroduce this much-missed service to the South West region of Ireland. Funded mainly by private investors from Cork, Kerry and South Wales, the service has been dubbed ‘The People’s Ferry’. The Co-Op acquired the ship in September 09.
Fastnet Line executives and managers have many years of experience in ferry, hotel and customer-service environments and aim to make the new service the most convenient and comfortable way to cross the Irish Sea. This, coupled with an overwhelming support for the service both in its local area and in Wales, augurs well for the success of this year-round service.
Investors: Fastnet Line is also offering investment opportunities for those interested in becoming members of the Co-Op or through investment in secured bonds. Information on fastnetline.com or from 00 353 21 4378892 (9am-5.30pm weekdays).
THE SERVICE:
This all year round service, which will carry passengers, cars, commercial freight, campers/caravans, bikes and pets will run 6 nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August.
Sailing will be overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 am next day.
THE SHIP:
154 metres long (longer than Croke Park, Ireland’s largest football stadium!)
Max passenger capacity: 1,860
Max car capacity: 440
Max Freight capacity: 40 trucks/ trailers
Cabins: 300.
Public Areas: Extensive deck areas for sightseeing
Cinema: On board cinema
Shopping: On board retail
Activities on Board: Casino
Crew: Crew of 80
Bars: Includes the The Cape Clear Bar, named after Ireland’s most southerly island and The Island Bar –spacious and comfortable and providing entertainment
Restaurants: There are four restaurants aboard to cater to all tastes including The Fastnet Restaurant which will offer a grill room style menu and a self-service style restaurant with children’s menu
Kennels: On board dog kennels - 15 kennels
Versatile ship which is well suited to the route
THE BENEFITS:
Road trip savings of over 600km over alternative sea crossings.
Comfort and luxury: Consider the sea crossing as a mini-cruise. With comfortable cabins, extensive public areas and a selection of restaurants and bars passengers can enjoy life on the ocean wave en route to their destination.
ACCESS:
The MV Julia docks at the Ferry Terminal, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork – just 16km outside Cork city (23 mins). West Cork and all its glorious beaches, scenery and excellent bars, restaurants, hotels and family attractions is less than an hour’s drive from the ferry terminal.
The MV Julia docks in Swansea docks with direct access to the M4, and just 1.5km from Swansea City Centre, with the beauty of Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower within easy reach. Cities on the M4 route include Newport, Swindon, Reading and London, offering exciting rendezvous points in the hinterland. The M5 from Swansea takes you into the heart of Devon and Cornwall or visitors can drive north and explore Wales and all it has to offer.
CURRENT OFFERS/SAILING INFORMATION:
For details of current offers log on to fastnetline.com or call Fastnet Line
UK Reservations +44 (0) 844 576 8831
Irish Reservations 021 4378892
Shareholders Reservations 021 4378892
Group & Freight Reservations 021 4378892
Or email: info[.]fastnetline.com
For information on visitor attractions in Ireland please log on to discoverireland.ie/.
For information on visitor attractions in Wales please log on to visitwales.com/.
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mary[.]hopkinscommunications.ie 
