Government Backs Vital UK-Northern Ireland Ferry Links with £17m Lifeline
Ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been saved from collapse, thanks to a £17 million joint fund from the UK government and Northern Ireland Executive. This crucial cash injection guarantees freight keeps flowing during the COVID-19 crisis.
Millions to Keep Lifeline Sea Routes Open
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today the multi-million-pound scheme will support five key freight ferry routes. With passenger numbers down, freight operators were struggling to stay afloat, risking supply chain disruptions for essentials like food and medicine.
Shapps said:
“Essential supplies are continuing to flow well, but operators are facing challenges as fewer people travelling means less capacity to move goods.”
“Today’s action will help ensure we have the freight capacity we need across the UK. This funding will help ferry operators protect our supply chain and maintain the flow of critical goods across the Irish Sea and throughout the union.”
Northern Ireland Officials Praise Support Package
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis hailed the move as “excellent news” ensuring vital connections across the UK. He added the government is also working on a separate package to safeguard air passenger flights to key airports in Belfast and Derry.
Lewis commented:
“Although this coronavirus outbreak has reduced travel demand, this support package will keep essential ferry routes open and maintain vital transport links, guaranteeing the supply of critical goods such as food and medical supplies.”
Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said:
“Keeping our critical routes open for food, goods and medicines is absolutely critical in our fight against COVID-19. This package will protect ferry operators and ensure vital supply chains continue.”
“I have been working closely with operators and the British Government to keep essential goods moving during this difficult time.”
Scottish Ferry Routes Also Secured
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack confirmed that the government is committed to safeguarding Scotland-Northern Ireland ferry crossings, especially services through Cairnryan, crucial for both Northern Ireland’s and Scotland’s economies.
“We have been clear the UK government will do what is necessary to protect our economy during the Coronavirus pandemic. That includes safeguarding essential ferry routes between Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
UK, Ireland, & France Unite to Protect Freight Routes
The UK, Ireland, and France have pledged to work together on temporary measures ensuring COVID-19 does not disrupt vital freight routes between their countries. Transport ministers from all three nations stressed the importance of sustained trade links.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport is finalising plans with airlines, airports, and devolved governments to secure vital air passenger routes from Belfast City and Derry Airport to Great Britain during the pandemic.
