Sinn Féin : Closure of P&O service a blow to Larne – McMullan

13 January, 2016 - by Oliver McMullan

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has expressed concern following the announcement that P&O Ferries will be closing its Larne to Troon service.

Mr McMullan said;

'The news that the P&O Ferry service from Larne to Troon is being discontinued with immediate effect is very concerning.

'It will come as a blow to the local area as it has been a fixture of life in the area for many years.

'It will understandably create fears for the employees of the firm and their families and while management have assured me that there will be no redundancies, there is still a great deal of anxiety.

'The company has said all permanent staff have been found alternative roles and I have been in contact with the company to ensure that all staff are kept up to date on the latest developments.

'This decision has wider repercussions for the local area as tourism is one of the main drivers of our local economy. The withdrawal of this service will no doubt limit access to the Causeway Coast and Glens at a time when we are trying to open up the area with the A8.

'I will continue to engage with P&O Ferries in the coming days to ensure everything is done to protect the existing staff.

'I will also be meeting with the DETI minister to discuss these developments and stress the importance of promoting the tourism potential of the Causeway Coast and Glens area.'