Media release - UK15th January 2010
ALL SYSTEMS GO AS THE FASTNET LINE’S M.V. JULIA
PREPARES FOR ITS INAUGURAL SAILING TO SWANSEA.
Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches.
Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspora, and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Line’s website on a daily basis checking out the offers available and, according to Tom Barrett (Chief Executive of Fastnet Line) sailing bookings are now topping 1,200 confirmed bookings with 2 out of 3 bookings coming from the UK market.
‘The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. It is worth more than €50 million annually to this region and that should be replicated in the Swansea Bay, Mumbles & Gower and the UK also as we progress. We look forward to welcoming passengers from the UK aboard our fantastic ship and providing a relaxing and efficient route between the two countries’ he said.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: ‘This is a fantastic example of communities working together for the betterment of their areas and countries as a whole. The West Cork Co-Operative is to be congratulated on their initiative in buying this ship and we wish Fastnet Line and the MV Julia many safe and profitable trips to and from Swansea. The initiative has the backing of the people of Swansea and I’m sure the thousands of people from the UK who love Ireland as a destination will flock to re-visit the country again. This venture will also introduce many people to the beauty of Swansea Bay for the first time and this is sure to encourage return visits. People visiting Swansea Bay have the annual Swansea Bay Summer Festival to look forward to as well as facilities such as the Ffos Las horse racing track and the Afan Forest Park mountain-biking experience.’
Mr. Barrett of Fastnet Line went on to outline the cost-effective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer - children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of January - subject to certain conditions. ‘Freight carriers and groups too, are well catered for with special rates on
‘Visitors to the South West of Ireland will be intrigued by the host of choices on offer, with live gigs with international stars at the Live at the Marquee series in Cork throughout the summer, walking tours across several counties, sailing/surfing events, adventure festivals and food festivals. With top class hotels, guesthouses, caravan parks and restaurants and bars in the South West of Ireland, this is a great opportunity to sail away on a mini-cruise and explore new horizons, all just within an hour or two from wonderful Cork city’ Mr. Barrett said.
‘Upcoming festivals include The West Cork Rally (St. Patrick’s Weekend), Baltimore Heritage Festival in April, West Cork Walking Festival in May and Cork Week, the international sailing event in July. The Fáilte Ireland website offers a very comprehensive list of attractions in the area, too numerous to mention’ he added.
As the service counts down to its date of departure on March 1st (St. David’s Day!), the crew of the MV Julia are going full steam ahead in preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys, working closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and its many supporters in ensuring that everything goes to plan.
Mr. Barrett told us: ‘MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry professionals who have sailed the seven seas in vessels such as this. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.’
For further information or to arrange an interview with The Fastnet Line personnel please call:
Mary Hopkins/Judy Hopkins
Hopkins Communications Cork
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 87 2540804 (cellphone).
or
Greg Jones
Swansea Council Communications Officer
01792 636226
Editors Notes:
FASTNET LINE:
Fastnet Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Cork Tourism Co-op which was set up in April 2009 following a long public campaign to reintroduce this much-missed service to the South West region of Ireland. Funded mainly by private investors from Cork, Kerry and South Wales, the service has been dubbed “The Peoples’ Ferry”. The Co-Op acquired the ship in September 09.
Fastnet Line executives and managers have several years of experience in ferry, hotel and customer-service environments and aim to make the new service the most convenient and comfortable way to cross the Irish Sea. This, coupled with an overwhelming support for the service both in its local area and in Wales, augurs well for the success of this year-round service.
Investors: Fastnet Line is also offering investment opportunities for those interested in becoming members of the Co-Op or through investment in secured bonds. Information on or from 00 353 21 555 666 (9-9 weekdays).
THE SERVICE:
This all year round service, which will carry passengers, cars, commercial freight, campers/caravans, bikes and pets will run 6 nights a week, with additional sailings in high-season, i.e. July and August.
Sailing will be overnight departing at 21.00 hours and arriving 07.00 a.m. next day.
THE SHIP:
154 metres long (longer than Croke Park, Ireland’s largest football stadium!).
Max passenger capacity: 1,860
Max car capacity: 440
Max Freight capacity: 40 trucks/ trailers.
Cabins: 300.
Public Areas: Extensive deck areas for sightseeing.
Cinema: On board cinema
Shopping: On board retail
Activities on Board: Casino.
Crew: Crew of 80.
Bars : Includes the The Cape Clear Bar, named after Ireland’s most southerly island and The Island Bar –spacious and comfortable and providing entertainment.
Restaurants: There are four restaurants aboard to cater to all tastes including The Fastnet Restaurant which will offer a grill room style menu and a self-service style restaurant with children’s menu.
Kennels: On board dog kennels - 15 kennels
Versatile ship which is well suited to the route.
THE BENEFITS;
Road trip savings of over 600km over alternative sea crossings.
Comfort and luxury: Consider the sea crossing as a mini-cruise. With comfortable cabins, extensive public areas and a selection of restaurants and bars passengers can enjoy life on the ocean wave en route to their destination.
ACCESS:
The MV Julia docks at the Ferry Terminal, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork – just 16km outside Cork city (23 mins). West Cork and all its glorious beaches, scenery and excellent bars, restaurants, hotels and family attractions is less than an hour’s drive from the ferry terminal.
The MV Julia docks in Swansea docks with direct access to the M4, and just 1.5km from Swansea City Centre. Cities on the M4 route include Newport, Swindon, Reading and London, offering exciting rendezvous points in the hinterland. The M5 from Swansea takes you into the heart of Devon and Cornwall or visitors can drive north and explore Wales and all it has to offer.
CURRENT OFFERS/SAILING INFORMATION:
For details of current offers log on to or call Fastnet Line
Irish Reservations 021 4378892
Shareholders Reservations 021 4378892
Group & Freight Reservations 021 4378892
UK Reservations +44 (0) 844 576 8831
Or email:
For information on visitor attractions in Ireland please log on to:
Ends.
Judy Hopkins
Account Manager – New Media
Hopkins Communications
Public Relations – Event Management – Advertising
Marketing – Graphic Design - Promotional Marketing
42 Patrick Street, Cork, Ireland
Tel: 00353 21 427 2200
Registered in Ireland: 157462