Operator, Irish Ferries has suffered a setback in its legal challenge to avoid paying compensation to thousands of passengers whose trips were cancelled on sailings between Ireland and France in the summer of 2018.

The ferry company contends that a decision by the National Transport Authority requiring it to pay compensation to many of the 20,000-plus passengers who had to change their travel plans is invalid, irrational, disproportionate and in breach of its rights under the Constitution and EU law.

However, a legal opinion issued by the Court of Justice of the EU on Thursday ruled that the EU regulations providing that compensation is payable to sea passengers affected by cancelled sailings applied to the Irish Ferries case.

It also found that Irish Ferries should pay any additional costs incurred by passengers who availed of re-routing options.

Although the legal opinion is not binding on the CJEU, its recommendation is followed in the vast majority of cases.

Further reading here on this development.