Council chief to meet ferry operator over withdrawal of service

The Acting County Chief Executive Kevin Kelly is to meet the operator of the Inis Mór ferry service over a decision to withdraw the winter service from tomorrow.
Island Ferries Teo has confirmed that it will push ahead with the immediate withdrawal of the service to the largest Aran Island tomorrow.
The dispute centres on a 2011 bye-law which introduced ‘per-passenger’ levies – previously, a ‘per vessel’ system was in place.
Island Ferries Teo says the ‘negative fiscal conditions’ created by Galway County Council in imposing levies make the operation of a winter service unsustainable.
The company has urged the local authority to reduce the current rate of 80c per passenger to 40c.
Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Galway West TD Sean Kyne says he hopes the counter proposal can be fully debated at today’s meeting.
He says as it would have budgetary implications, it should also be brought to tomorrow’s budget meeting at County Hall.
Cathy Ni Ghoill of Comharchumann Forbartha Arann Teo says a formal system must be in place to ensure this vital service is safeguarded.