The Transport Minster says he shares the disappointment of Dun Laoghaire after Stena Line ended ferry services at the South Dublin port.

The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said the news was disappointing, but it would be seeking alternative providers to service the route.

In a separate statement, Stena Line said it would be continuing its service from Holyhead to Dublin Port.

There has been a huge decline in passenger numbers through Dun Laoghaire Harbour in recent years - down from 1.7 million in 1998 to less than 200,000 last year.

Minister Paschal Donohoe has been quizzed about the decision in the Dáil:

Stena Line says car and passenger volumes into Dublin Port overtook Dun Laoghaire 'as far back as 2008'.

Ian Davies, Stena Line’s Route Manager for Irish Sea South, said, “with two services operating approx. 10 miles apart we needed to make a decision in relation to what operation best serves the needs of our customers now and in the years ahead, and that operation is Dublin Port.

“While we have enjoyed a very professional working relationship with Dun Laoghaire Harbour over many years, the economic realities of the current situation in relation to our business levels have left us with no choice but to close the service," he added.

Originally posted at 12.22