Following the cessation of the Swansea Cork Ferry Company’s operations on the Cork to Swansea route in 2006, it is estimated that the Munster region lost approximately €38 million in revenue in 2007.

Local tourism and freight sectors have been particularly badly hit. The need to restore the route is being addressed in a joint campaign, which see three local authorities working together: Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Kerry County council.

The South West Regional Authority is also involved in the campaign to reopen the route with a viable ferry operator as soon as possible.