The Green Party has welcomed commitments from Stena Line and the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company that the ferry service between Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead will return on 15 March 2010.

Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe stated:

“The ferry link with the UK is vital for the future of the Harbour and the town of Dún Laoghaire. I’m happy that these sailings will resume with the Stena Express beginning daily sailings from the Harbour to Holyhead on 15 March.

“The larger Stena HSS will then return to Dún Laoghaire for July and August.

“Last July I met with Gerry Dunne, CEO of the Harbour Company, and stressed the importance of sustaining these ferry links and developing new uses for the Harbour, including bringing in cruise liners. I'm glad to see that the Harbour Company is currently investigating these opportunities as cruise traffic would be a huge boost to the town. 

"Dún Laoghaire has so much to offer tourists walking off a cruise liner with plenty of restaurants, cafes, bookshops and other amenities such as the Harbour itself and the new promenade over the railway at the Pavilion.

“I also welcome plans by the Harbour Company to host events such as a Boat jumble sale and an ice rink on the Carlisle Pier. I still believe that the original Victorian structure should be reinstated on Carlisle Pier, which could then provide a structure for such public events.”