Displaying items by tag: UKSpain routes close

14th September 2014

LD Lines Close UK-Spain Routes from Poole

#UK-SpainClosures - LD Lines which closed the Irish-Spanish route last month as previously reported on Afloat.ie also ceased operations on UK services to northern Spain last weekend.

The French operator had only launched the Poole-Gijón less than a year ago and beforehand Poole-Santander in 2013.

According to the Bournemouth Echo, a spokesman for LD Lines said: "We originally had sailings available to the end of September but suspended bookings for the period beyond September 7 when we started reviewing the future of the routes.

"As a result, a relatively small number of customers are affected by the closure of the routes. All such passengers have been transferred to another UK - Spain operator on sailings as close as possible to their LD Lines booking".

LD Lines had been operating a once-weekly return services between Poole and Gijón, and a round trip every weekend between Poole and Santander. Both were aboard the Norman Asturias, the largest ferry to enter the port, which can take up to 500 passengers, 200 cars or 110 freight vehicles.

It is understood that the passenger service was extremely popular but the freight service had declined. Brittany Ferries started a competing service from Portsmouth in March.

Afloat.ie adds that LD Lines are now reduced to operating a single service across the Bay of Biscay, on the St. Nazaire-Gijón route by ro-pax Norman Atlantic. This vessel had served also on the Irish leg of the landbridge route to Spain via the mid-west French port.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.