#FoyleClosure - The Lough Foyle Ferry Company has sold their ferry reports the Derry Journal. The service ceased with immediate effect has been described as “a serious blow for the area”.

The directors of the company confirmed to the ‘Journal’ the vessel has been sold to Frazer Ferries in Carlingford (as previously reported on Afloat.ie for a new ferry link) and they will not be operating the Greencastle to Magilligan service in the future.

The news is a blow to the future of the service and there have now been calls for a new operator to be put in place as soon as possible, with one councillor stating it would be an “absolute scandal” if it was lost to the area.

It is understood Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have been informed the company will not be seeking to extend their contract after March 31st, 2016. As the service ended for the winter season on October 4th, it will not be reinstated before then.

The move has led to fears for the future of the service and calls for the two Councils to enter talks immediately to ensure it is not lost.

Donegal County Council told the ‘Journal’ they are aware of the matter and “will be considering options available to us in due course.”

The Foyle Ferry has carried two and a half million passengers since it began in 2002.

For much more the Journal has a report here.

Afloat adds that the ferry sold is the Foyle Venture, built in 1978 and with a capacity for 300 passengers and 44 cars.