An Aran island ferry company says it would prefer to "shut up shop" than pay increased harbour dues levied by the Minister for the Marine.
Two ferry sailings run by Island Ferries Ltd skipped Rossaveal, Co Galway, altogether yesterday and steamed into Galway on a trial run as part of their opposition to the new charges. The new fishery harbour dues, signed into law by the Minister, Mr Ahern, do not apply in Galway docks.
Ms Sally O'Brien, director of Island Ferries, told The Irish Times that her company could not afford to carry the increase, which would amount to €0.25 million a year - compared to the current fees of €25,000 annually.
Her company is under contract to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and cannot put up its ticket price under this agreement.