Half of Aran ferry service levies debt to be written off
Our ReporterNews
Half of a debt of more than €500,000 owed to the county council in respect of ferry passenger levies to the Aran Islands has now been written off.
The plug was pulled on the winter ferry service to Inis Mór at the end of last month amid the long running row over levies.
Island Ferries Teo argued that levies imposed by the council in 2012, which charge a fee of 80c per passenger, make the operation of the service economically un-viable.
The service was subsequently restored to operate on a temporary basis while discussions continued.
In a fresh set of proposals presented to county councillors at a meeting last evening, Island Ferries Teo said a reduction of the passenger levy to 40c for retrospective trips between 2012 and 2016, and 55c for ferry sailings from 2017 onwards, is critical.
At last evening’s meeting councillors agreed to the new payment scheme of levies by the ferry company, which was proposed by Fianna Fáil Councillor Seán Ó Tuairisg and seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion.
Court costs of between €450,000 and €600,000 still have to be paid to the council by the ferry operator, once the final figure has been reached.
Chief Executive of the County Council, Kevin Kelly told Keith Finnegan that the retrospective debt has now been halved to protect the service for islanders.
Councillor Eileen Mannion says it’s important to ensure a service for islanders.