Minister disappointed following withdrawal of Inis Mor ferry

The junior Gaeltacht Minister says he is disappointed following a decision to withdraw ferry services from Inis Mór from next month until mid-March.
Island Ferries Teo has taken the decision due to what the company describes as ‘policy decisions beyond its control’.
It follows a 2011 bye-law which introduced ‘per-passenger’ levies – previously, a ‘per vessel’ system was in place.
Gaeltacht Minister and Galway West/South Mayo TD Sean Kyne says any change to the Bye-Law would have to be approved by councillors and would take a period of time.
He says efforts are ongoing to ensure islanders will not be left without a winter service.
In a statement, the company says talks with Government and the local authority have now reached an impasse.
It adds that the viability of Island Ferries Teo operating during the winter period at a financial loss is commercially unsustainable.
Spokesperson for the firm is John O’Sullivan, Solicitor and Public Affairs Consultant at J.O.S Solicitors.
He says the decision is a last course of action.