Urgent appeal for ferry funding

By Louise Doyle louise@inishtimes.com BENEFACTORS of the Buncrana to Rathmullan ferry have come under attack for not “coughing up” vital funding. The car ferry looks certain for the axe if funding is not matched from its sponsors, Inish Times has learned. An outstanding balance of 36,000 euros is needed to secure the service. The news emerged at Monday nights’ convened Donegal County Council meeting. Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Rena Donaghey wanted to know why Letterkenny Town Council had not contributed towards the fees. She said: “Milford and Inishowen areas have given a provisional commitment to provide co-funding from their development fund of up to 100,000 euros for the 2008 season. “A request has been made to Buncrana Town Council to consider meeting the balance of 36,000. “However, benefactors including Letterkenny Town Council have not been asked to part fund the facility.” Officials told the meeting that the cost to council during 2007 was 130,000 euros. This will increase to 145,000 euros in 2008. However, members of Letterkenny Council present at the meeting said they would have “no difficulty in giving funds to service but had not been asked”. Vowing to fight for the ferry’s continuation, Councillor Donaghey said: “The Buncrana to Rathmullan Car Ferry means a lot to the whole north west. “It has only started 4 years ago and has been a tremendous success. “Our ferry can’t only be measured on its financial gain as there are many other important aspects including the tourism aspect.” Although Councillor Donaghey said, “numbers were down” from 2006’s figures due to one of the worst summer on records, she added, “July and August were very busy periods”. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Buncrana to Rathmullam car ferry continues.” A decision on the funding is expected early in the new-year.