This article is from page 6 of the 2012-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE team behind the Ballyvaughan Bay Hop have vowed to restart the commuter ferry service as soon as possible, despite the cancellation of the last three days of sailing during its week-long trial.
The service was halted on the morning of Thursday, June 31, with “unforeseen circumstances” on behalf of the chartered boat operator cited as the reason.
All sailings for Friday and Satur- day, July 1 and 2, were completely booked out, with more than 70 per cent of seats on the June 31 sailing also booked.
According to Gwen Ryan of Ballyvaughan Bay Hop, everyone who booked tickets for these days will receive a full refund.
“It was very disappointing that the service was cancelled but, on the up side, the few days we did run the service have indicated a huge demand and interest in this transport option,” said Gwen.
“It has also demonstrated for a lot of people, just how central the harbour is in Galway City. And we have learnt a valuable lesson from the unexpected aborting of the service. The project group will be meeting soon to reflect on the results of the trial service and to plan the next stage in the project.
“I can’t shed any light on what these next steps might be until we have met and decided them but we will certainly have to look at the funding options available to source a cabined passenger rib and we will have to engage Clare County Coun- cil on the possibility of getting a floating pontoon for passengers so that they can disembark comfortably.
“We have a lot of work to do yet before the service is up and running on a permanent basis but our efforts to date have been buoyed by the fantastic reaction and support the trial service received.”
The fastest crossing time recorded during the trial was 27 minutes more than an hour quicker than the average commute time by car of the same journey.