#IslandNews - A new ferry service to be introduced in serving Tory Island could lead to the 'extinction' of the community according to a group of concerned islanders.

According to the Irish Independent, 'Mná Thorai' claim that a new ferry service, due to begin on April 1, is unsuitable for the islands needs and could lead severely impact the lives of those who live on the lisland.

Tory Island, home to approximately 150 people, is located nine miles off the coast of Donegal and it is currently served by a ferry called 'An Tor Mór', run by Turasmara Teo.

It has ferried residents, tourists, goods and post to and from the island for 26 years but from April 1 a ferry that served the Aran Islands since the 1970s, 'Queen of Aran', will take over the service.

Mná Thorai claim that the 42-year-old ferry as Afloat previously covered is unsuitable for the waters off the Donegal coast and that it is too large to dock at Magheroarty Pier, the Donegal pier where the ferry departs for the island. If they use a second port, An Bun Beag, the journey will be 20 to 30 minutes longer.

Mná Thorai say that the new ferry puts the island "at risk of extinction" as it is only suitable for the "sheltered journey" from Doolin in Clare to the Aran Islands.

For much more on the story incuding a video of the Tor Mór in heavy seas, click here.