Displaying items by tag: ferry reopens

5th April 2023

Valentia Island Ferry Returns With Seasonal Service Today

In scenic west Co. Kerry the Valentia Island car-ferry started today with the resumption of the seasonal service which runs from April to October, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The ferry service which is near Cahirciveen on the Iveragh Peninsula, connects Renard on the mainland to Knightstown on the east of Valentia Island, part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Operating the route is Valentia Island Ferries with their God Mets On III that plies on the five-minute route which is based on a continuous shuttle service throughout the day.

Domestic and tourist vehicles using the 43m double-ended ferry include cars, MPV's, motorhomes, campers, mini-buses, cars with caravans and trailers, commercial vans, motorbikes. In addition to conveying bicyles and foot passengers.

The veteran vessel built in 1963 had originally served in The Netherlands across the River Maas until replaced by a bridge. Since 1996 the ferry has operated to Valentia which is approximately 11kms in length and 3 kms wide.

The 95 gross tonnage ferry runs the first and final crossings each day from Knightstown.

It was here in 1858 when HMS Agamemnon landed the first transatlantic telegraph cable, linking Knightstown to Hearts Content Newfoundland, Canada.

To the west of Knightstown at Cromwell Point is Valentia Island Lighthouse, the most westerly harbour light on the island of Ireland. It is a tourist attraction and is open to bookings.

On the middle of the island is Geokaun Mountain and cliffs, the highest point of the Island with stunning panoramic views of Kerry which have been designated as a Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way.

A road runs along about two-thirds of the island from Knightstown to a bridge on the south of the island. The bridge which opened in 1970 connects to Portmagee on the mainland.

Prior to the completion of the bridge, a passenger/cargo ran between Reenard Point and Knightstown.

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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.