Press Release
For immediate use
27 July 2005
Lough Foyle Ferry Sails Away With One Millionth Passenger!
The Lough Foyle Ferry from Greencastle, Co. Donegal to Magilligan, Co. Derry celebrated carrying its one millionth passenger today (Wednesday 27 July 2005). Mr. Croston Dyser, the lucky passenger, was presented with a commemorative piece of Moville Pottery by the Mayor of Limavady Borough Council, Cllr. Michael Coyle and the Chairman of Donegal County Council, Councillor Dessie Larkin.
Mr. Dyser couldn’t believe his luck when picked from the queue while boarding the ferry. Mr. Croston Dyser from Coleraine, who was travelling with his family from Magilligan to Greencastle said that he was delighted to be the one millionth passenger on the ferry stating that “this is the first thing that I have ever won in my life and I am delighted”.
Mayor of Limavady, Cllr Michael Coyle, commented, “I am delighted to be part of the One Millionth Passenger celebrations. The Lough Foyle Ferry has been in operation for just three years now and has already proved a tremendous asset for the economic development of the region as a whole. Through this project, Limavady Borough Council's commitment to partnership with Donegal County Council and working relationship with the Lough Foyle Ferry Company has added value to the tourism infrastructure and industry in the North West."
The Lough Foyle Ferry from Greencastle to Magilligan commenced in June 2002 following a successful application for funding by Limavady Borough Council and Donegal County Council to INTERREG 111A Programme for Ireland/N.Ireland and funding from the International Fund for Ireland. As a result of this funding a contract for the operation of this service was awarded to the Lough Foyle Ferry Company.
Jim McClenaghan, Managing Director, Lough Foyle Ferry Company said, “ I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have made this venture a success – the passengers, staff and board of directors alike. The Greencastle-Magilligan service has not only been of tremendous benefit to the two localities and with the addition of the Swilly Ferry operating from Buncrana to Rathmullan it serves to link the entire region from Glenveagh National park and the Donegal Gaeltacht to the Giants Causeway and the North Coast of Northern Ireland.”
The Ferry services offer a continuous 10-minute shuttle service between Greencastle and Magilligan seven days a week and throughout the year. Following the initial success of the Greencastle-Magilligan Service, Donegal County Council initiated the seasonal Buncrana – Rathmullan service which runs from May – September. This too has proved a tremendous success.
Chairman of Donegal County Council, Cllr Dessie Larkin added, “There is no doubt that both ferry services have been well received, the figures prove that the tourist, the business traveller and the day tripper have embraced these time saving and picturesque services. To carry One Million passengers is a great achievement and I congratulate everyone involved in making this a success.”
The lucky passenger also won a multi ticket for the Lough Foyle Ferry service as well as a weekend for two in McGrory’s, Culdaff and a luxury champagne meal for two in Kealey’s Seafood Restaurant, Greencastle.
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company are already preparing for carrying their two millionth passenger!!
END
For further information contact:
Anne Marie Conlon
Communications Officer
Donegal County Council
Tel: 074 91 72574
Mob: 087 9192275
Email: amconlon@donegalcoco.ie