Irish Ferries To Increase Dublin-Holyhead Route

Irish Ferries has said it is to increase its capacity and frequency on its Dublin to Holyhead route.

From December 2013, it will introduce a third ship.

The company currently operates eight sailings each day on the Irish Sea route using its Ulysses and the High Speed Craft Jonathan Swift.

Now, Irish Ferries has chartered the Epsilon to supplement its existing Ireland to Britain services.

The ship will provide two additional departures per day in each direction which will result in an increase in the firm's schedule to a maximum of 12 sailings between Dublin and Holyhead each day. The recently built vessel will provide significant vehicle capacity along with modern facilities on board including cabins, bar/cafeteria and self-service restaurant.

Targeting the growing Freight and Tourism markets, the Epsilon will further improve Irish Ferries' range of offers to its customers on the Irish Sea.

Details of the new schedule are expected to be confirmed shortly.

Commenting on the announcement, Irish Ferries' Marketing Director, Tony Kelly, said: "Irish Ferries decision to invest in additional capacity at this time is a major vote of confidence by the Republic of Ireland's leading ferry operator in the recovery of the country's economy.

"We believe that Ireland has turned the corner and we are prepared to invest in the provision of improved services for our valued Freight and Tourism customers who have shown fantastic loyalty throughout the last five difficult years."

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar also welcomed the decision, saying: "This investment represents a significant increase in capacity on the route and is a real vote of confidence in our tourism industry. The timing of this announcement couldn't be more welcome, as we are preparing to build on the success of The Gathering next year.

"The importance of ferries to Irish tourism is often overlooked but they provide a vital link to the UK and Europe.

"I'm also very glad to hear that Irish Ferries believes the Irish economy has turned a corner, and that the company is prepared to invest in extra capacity to service the freight sector."

(JP/CD)