Maginness and O'Reilly Meet Over Future Of Ferry Service

Monday 27 April 2009

SDLP European Candidate Alban Maginness MLA and Fine Gael candidate Senator Joe O’Reilly met in Greencastle at the weekend to pledge their support for the future of the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry service and to promote all opportunities to develop tourism.

Joined on the 'Foyle Adventurer' by SDLP East Derry John Dallat MLA, Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh, SDLP Limavady Councillors Gerry Mullan and Michael Carten, Mr Maginness said:

"The delay in resolving the issues over the future of the ferry service is unacceptable and solutions must be found.

"The ridiculous security at Magilligan which is costing in the region of £80,000 must go and go immediately so that the cost can be removed from the tendering document.

"Both governments must agree that this is one island striving to encourage international tourism and the free movement of people generally and using government legislation to avoid a financial commitment to the running of the service is disgraceful."

The SDLP European candidate also met members of the Ulster Gliding Club who have benefited from European funding to provide equipment to allow disabled people to glide.

He also paid a visit 'Foylehov', a farm diversification scheme which operates hovercraft and various other leisure activities on a working farm near Limavady.

He said: "These are two examples of excellent projects which have been made possible with assistance from Europe and can be developed successfully when I am elected as a MEP working on the ground with people who have good ideas."

ENDS

SDLP European Candidate Alban Maginness pictured with Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh TD on the Magilligan-Greencastle Ferry. Also pictured is SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat and Fine Gael European Candidate Joe O'Reilly. John Dallat MLA and Joe McHugh TD have campaigned together to protect this ferry service.

Further information:
John Dallat MLA 07971 582269
Alban Maginness MLA 07890 878955
Or SDLP Press Office 028 9052 1364