Councillors Call for Protection of West Cork Cruise Tourism

21st May 2019

Afloat adds Astor's German clientele were guests on board Transcean's (Kreuzfahrten) small cruiseship which at the weekend is seen above visiting scenic West Cork.The Bahamas flagged 20.606grt ship with up to 600 passengers had sailed from the cruiseship's main homeport at Bremerhaven to arrive in Bantry Bay Harbour last Saturday. For a another close up photo of the small cruiseship pictured at Dublin Port, see related story dating to 13th May. Credit: Southern Star -twitter

Councillors in west Cork say they fear that Dublin Port’s decision to reduce the number of cruise ships by 50% between 2021 and 2023 could have a negative affect on cruise tourism in West Cork.

The issue writes The Southern Star was raised at a Western Division meeting of Cork County Council by Cllr Declan Hurley (Ind) who said the port’s decision was based on the fact that freight business is proving more profitable for the company.

This year, Cllr Hurley said: ‘Dublin Port is to receive 160 cruise liners, but the number will reduce to 36 large and 18 small liners by the year 2021.’

The councillor said cruise tourism is directly worth €560,000 to the West Cork economy and he suggested that every effort should be made to preserve and promote it.

Cllr Mary Hegarty (FG) said Cllr Hurley’s motion, which called on the Council to protect its investment in cruise tourism, was ‘timely.’

Read here on what the councillor had to say on the issue and more.

Published in West Cork

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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