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Displaying items by tag: Strangford Ferry

Plans to increase fares for passengers on the Strangford Ferry by as much as 32 per cent have provoked a strong reaction, as Belfast Live reports.

The RORO ferry operated by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure provides a crucial link across the Strangford Narrows between the village of Strangford and the town of Portaferry in Co Down.

But Stormont plans to raise fares across single and multi-journey tickets could see regular users of the ferry link paying an extra £400 a year.

The move has prompted a letter of objection from Ards and North Down Borough Council, with the increase described as “shocking” by one councillor.

Another councillor — the SDLP’s Joe Boyle, who forwarded the motion — argues that any price rise should be based on the prevailing rate of inflation, which in the UK is 3.9 per cent.

“Whilst it is accepted there has not been an increase in some years, for many of those years it has been seen as quite expensive. But a 30 to 32 percent increase, while many are still finding things difficult, is unacceptable,” Boyle says.

Belfast Live has more on the story HERE.

Published in Ferry

About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.