Ireland's Government is setting aside EUR 15 million to ensure the continued operation of 5 ferry routes from Dublin and Rosslare for at least 3 months. The move follows the request for help from ferry companies who have seen passenger numbers collapsing on their routes in Ireland since March's Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Routes protected under "public service obligation" designation include Rosslare-Bilbao, Rosslare-Cherbourg, Rosslare-Fishguard, Rosslare-Pembroke and Dublin-Cherbourg.
The ferry companies involved are Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, and Stena.
Minister Paul Kehoe said the move was "essential" to keep the ferry routes viable. He added the emergency measure was "extremely welcome given the huge collapse in tourism" that was affecting the entire industry. It was also vital to ensure the protection of supply chains.
For Coronavirus updates on cruise ship quarantines (infected passengers and crew) and top-pandemic countries (COVID-19 cases and deaths, daily updated statistics) see at CruiseMapper's Norovirus page.