Updated 12.23pm
A NEW FERRY between Counties Louth and Down was unable to take its planned maiden cross-border voyage today.
Due to “severe gale force weather conditions” the inaugural journey of the Scenic Carlingford Ferry has been delayed.
In a statement, management and crew apologised for any inconvenience caused by the disruption.
They said: “The safety of passengers is our priority and the severe weather conditions we are experiencing today are not suitable for sailing at this time.
Unfortunately, these circumstances are beyond our control.
With the weather forecast looking slightly more promising for the weekend, the maiden voyage of the ferry has been rescheduled for 10am tomorrow morning.
Locals are hoping that the Scenic Carlingford Ferry will boost tourism and the economy north and south of the border.
The €10 million project is entirely privately financed and operated by Shannon-based company Frazer Ferries Group.
The investment included the construction of terminals at Greenore in Louth and Greencastle.
The ferry has the capacity to carry 44 cars, with the crossing taking 15 to 20 minutes on the scenic Carlingford Lough.
Organisers say that the one mile journey by ferry will save passengers driving 35 miles by road.
Paul O’Sullivan, founder and managing director of Scenic Carlingford Ferry said he hoped that the service would “act as a catalyst for economic development in the south Down north Louth region”.
At the moment, prices are starting at €2.25 for a single foot passenger journey when booked online (€3 normally). A single car journey (including passengers) currently costs €11.25 one way when booked online (€15 normally).
With reporting from Sean Murray
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