#EXTRA FERRY - Irish Ferries says their decision to have additional capacity over Christmas on their UK-Irish routes is vindicated by increased demand from those with Irish roots wanting to be sure of getting home over the festive season, whatever the weather.

"While airports may be hit by fog, ice or snow, we'll be in a position to get everyone home in time for Christmas," says head of passenger sales Dermot Merrigan.

Irish Ferries are to boost Holyhead-Dublin sailings by bringing Isle of Inishmore which has the capacity to carry 6,360 passengers and 3,820 vehicles on each of the five key dates she is to support existing route ferries, the flagship Ulysses and fast-ferry Jonathan Swift.

While Isle of Inishmore is serving the Dublin route for those five days, having transferred from her usual Pembroke Dock-Rosslare sailings, her place will be covered by Oscar Wilde on those dates.