Planes 'too much of a strain' as travellers switch from air to sea

FERRY SURVEYFERRY PASSENGER numbers on both the Irish Sea and continental routes rose significantly last year, reversing a five-year trend, according to maritime- industry figures.

An increase of 3 per cent in passenger numbers on Irish Sea ferries was matched by a fall in cross-channel air-passenger numbers for the first time in two decades.

Car traffic on cross-channel routes was particularly strong, showing a 5 per cent growth last year, while airline passenger numbers on British-Irish routes were down by 1 per cent.

The figures were compiled by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), the State body that monitors the shipping industry.

The IMDO figures show that continental sea passenger numbers were up by 7 per cent, in comparison with a 14 per cent decline over the previous four years.

IMDO director Glenn Murphy said the ferries had identified the family market as the one with the most potential growth.

Irish Ferries, which has begun an aggressive radio advertising campaign highlighting the advantages of sailing over flying, said it expects the backlash against air travel to increase. The ferry company's passenger numbers were up 10 per cent last year, though it declined to give specific numbers because of commercial sensitivities.

It is expecting continental traffic to further increase this year with the recent introduction of the Oscar Wilde on its Rosslare-Cherbourg route.

Head of passenger sales Declan Mescall said it is the reversal of a trend that is important. Not only has the trend declined, but the opposite has happened.

According to figures provided by Stena Line, the largest operator on the Irish Sea, only 2 per cent of its passengers take the ferry because they dislike flying, but 18 per cent of its passengers in a telephone poll cited larger baggage limits and groups travelling as reasons for taking the ferry.

More than 80 per cent of passengers cited the convenience of a car and freedom to travel around after disembarkation as reasons for taking the ferry.

Stena Line communications manager Eamonn Hewitt said: "One explanation for the increase in ferry travel is that many people have come to prioritise comfort and flexibility over the long waiting times that are associated with air travel."