The Minister for the Marine has expressed his disappointment at the newsthe Jeanie Johnstonproject - to sail a replica Famine ship from Ireland to North America - has been abandoned for this year.
The board of the Jeanie Johnston (Ireland) Company Ltd has requested an urgent meeting with Minister Fahey to review the future of the project and the vessel.
It was announced today the planned maiden voyage was postponed after the board received a report saying technical problems would delay sea trials.
The report, from the board’s technical adviser Capt Dave Hopkins of Mainport Marine, highlighted problems with the vessel’s technical systems which meant sea trials could not begin until the end of July.
This, along with crew training, meant the earliest possible departure date would be mid-August - too late for a planned tour of major cities in the US and Canada.
Mr Fahey said today he was still committed to working with the project to make sure the vessel is made seaworthy. He also said he would be calling a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the latest developments and the vessel's long and short-term future.