Kirk welcomes Greenore Green Castle ferry plans

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Seamús Kirk, has broadly welcomed plans for a ferry across Carlingford Lough between Greenore in Louth and Green Castle in Down.

Deputy Kirk said the planned ferry across the Lough would provide a huge financial boost to both counties.

“I welcome the proposal to establish a ferry from Greenore to Green Castle in County Down. It would provide a significant boost to tourism development in the Cooley peninsula and I commend the promoters for the initiative. This development provides both an economic and social bridgehead across Carlingford Lough.”

Deputy Kirk convened a meeting of interested parties in Leinster House this week where the proposal was discussed.

“The meeting was very positive and it seems there will be huge benefits to establishing the ferry service. The potential job creation and tourism growth for the region makes the ferry a priority for both Louth and Down. The existing road network makes it difficult to commute in places between Greenore and Green Castle. The convenience of the service will help in cross border trade and make it easier for businesses on both sides to expand.

“Tourism growth has been stunted on both sides of the Lough because of the geographic location. The tourism hospitality sector has unrealised potential in this area and at time when the economy urgently needs job creation this is a very positive proposal.”

Deputy Kirk has called on the relevant authorities to begin the process of establishing the ferry service and with it an economic boost to the region.
“The sooner we get the Greenore to Green Castle ferry up and running the better for all parties concerned,” he said.