Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said in the Dáil today (Wednesday) that the Stena Line announcement that they will not be renewing their Dun Laoghaire Harbour contract which expires on April 14th next is an end of an era.

“This marks an end of over 20 years of Stena Line sailings to Dun Laoghaire. Passenger sailings from the harbour span over almost two centuries. Up until recent days, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and Stena Line had engaged in active discussions on the delivery of a seasonal service.

“Stena Line have now advised they are unable to secure a suitable vessel and have decided not to resume operations on this route, and that they will consolidate their business interests in Dublin Port.

“Dun Laoghaire harbour has been left “adrift” today with no plan for its future, indeed its future survival. In response we need an immediate taskforce to secure the future of the harbour.

“The future for the harbour could be bright. A planning application for a new cruise berth for ‘next generation’ cruise ships has only recently been submitted to An Bórd Pleanála. This growing cruise business will have significant economic spin-off value for Dun Laoghaire and the wider hinterland and indeed Ireland. With the loss of Stena Line, it is crucial that the new cruise berth is given strong consideration.

“A detailed proposal has also been submitted to the Government for the International Diaspora Centre. This world-class visitor attraction can now be accommodated in the empty 80,000 sq.ft. Ferry Terminal building. I have heard other venues being mentioned but I am asking the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport give serious consideration to Dun Laoghaire where Irish people in the past left in droves to seek work on foreign shores.

“Now let their grandsons and granddaughters return to our shores and be given a Céad Míle Fáilte in a World Class Diaspora Centre.”