Gardai patrol Doolin harbour due to ferry dispute

Tensions between rival ferry companies operating from Doolin, Co Clare, to the Aran Islands have forced gardaí to maintain a presence at Doolin harbour.

Tensions between rival ferry companies operating from Doolin, Co Clare, to the Aran Islands have forced gardaí to maintain a presence at Doolin harbour.

Insp Michael Gallagher of Ennistymon Garda station confirmed yesterday that gardaí "will remain in place for the foreseeable future".

He said they are investigating "allegation and counter allegation" made by two ferry operators. The investigation will be complete by the end of this week, he said. "We are taking a very serious view of what is happening out there."

The investigation centres on an ongoing dispute between Doolin Ferries Ltd and a new company operating from Doolin, Aran Islands Fast Ferries Ltd.

Aran Islands Fast Ferries Ltd last month started a service to the three Aran Islands. Doolin Ferries Ltd has operated from Doolin for some years.

The chairman of Doolin Tourism, Mr Niall Hughes, confirmed yesterday that he had received a number of complaints from tourists over the situation at the pier in recent days. "The complaints have centred on the unpleasant atmosphere at the pier." Mr Hughes acknowledged the need for gardaí to police the situation.

However, he said: "The need for a Garda presence is creating a bad image for Doolin and is a waste of public resources. Gardaí should not have to do work like this."

The director of Doolin Ferries, Mr Bill O'Brien, said yesterday that he was unaware of any allegations made by the rival company.

He said: "We haven't done anything illegal or anything that would warrant an investigation. We operate a good, safe service here with the most modern craft and we do not interfere with other operators at Doolin."

Mr O'Brien confirmed that his company has issued free tickets to tourists travelling to the Aran Islands as part of the competition with the new company for passengers. He said: "It is good publicity for our business."

Mr Dick Grant of Aran Island Fast Ferries Ltd said yesterday: "I greatly welcome the Garda presence at Doolin harbour which now allows a very healthy competitive environment to be in place."

Mr Grant said he had worked in the marine industry for 43 years with an unblemished safety record.

The tensions between the two companies coincides with Doolin Ferries yesterday confirming that they are not to proceed with a foreshore licence application for a new pier at Doolin after Clare Co Council stated they would refuse access to a new pier development from the existing pier.

The development of a new pier has been the source of strong opposition locally from the Doolin Harbour Community Development Co-op who viewed the plan as privatising pier development at Doolin.

Their spokesman welcomed the decision to withdraw the application.