Ferry operators have been accused of making “opportunistic” threats after they warned they may be forced to close all direct routes to Continental Europe.
Bosses at Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Brittany Ferries have written to the Government warning that they could end the direct links if a ruling forcing them to pay compensation for cancelled services is not overturned.
Last year Irish Ferries was forced to cancel thousands of bookings on its service between Ireland and France after the delivery of its new WB Yeats ship was delayed.
The NTA later ruled that under EU regulations, the company must pay compensation to affected passengers.
The company has now appealed that decision to the High Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Continental ferry
In the letter sent to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Transport Minister in July, ferry operators called for the Government to lobby on their behalf.
“If you in Government and we as ferry operators all want to maintain direct ferry services between Ireland and the Continent – which is even more relevant today given the current wave of concerns over Brexit – it is critically important that the Irish Government starts lobbying now with the ferry sector to ensure the CJEU does not close direct ferry links to the Continent,” it reads.
"Opportunistic"
This morning, the Labour Party transport spokesperson Senator Kevin Humphreys accused them of issuing "threats" to the Government and trying to take advantage of Brexit.
“The three main ferry operators are exploiting a particular difficulty the Irish nation finds itself in, in relation to Brexit and seeking an interpretation of the legislation that suits themselves,” he said.
“I think it is unfortunate. I think we should be working together to get the best outcome for Irish consumers and I really do believe the ferry companies should withdraw the letter.
“Let’s see the outcome of the judicial review that is ongoing.”
"Economic peril"
The ferry companies said offering customers a choice between the refund or an alternative route through the UK has been the “long-established norm” in the sector when direct routes are cancelled.
It said the NTA ruling means they will be required to offer compensation of up to 50% of their fare plus a new booking on a direct route.
It warns that the ruling puts the direct services in “economic peril” and notes that while it would be easy for them to shut them down, “exporters/importers and tourism bodies may have a different view on whether this approach would be a good result.”
The three companies transport 96% of all passengers and 57% of roll-on roll-off freight in and out of Ireland.
Additional reporting from Stephen Bourke
