There has been a breakthrough in the crisis facing the passenger ferry services between Rossaveal and Kilronan in the Aran Islands.
The Island Ferries company, which had been due to end its sailings on Sunday, will now continue its services into the Spring time.
Officials from the Dept of the Gaeltacht met with the company last evening to discuss the future of the ferry situation to Inis Mór.
The Island Ferries company had said it will cease operation between Rossaveal and InisMór from Sunday in a dispute over an 80 cent passenger levy.
Island Ferries has now worked out a new agreement with the Department of the Gaeltacht, which entail some extra payment by the Department.
It is understood that Gaeltacht Minister, Joe McHugh had contingency plans for services to Kilronan next Monday with two other companies.
The possibility of using Navy services was also on the table during meetings between Minister McHugh and his staff and with Marine Minister, Simon Coveney.
The agreement ends the immediate impasse but questions remain on the 80 cent passenger levy.
Galway West TD Sean Kyne says all stakeholders must work together to put a permanent Public Service Obligation route in place, through which long term State support for the service can be delivered.
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