Summer Manx ferry sailings to Dublin scrapped
BBCSummer ferry sailings between the Isle of Man and Dublin have been cancelled due to logistical problems.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said all services between 23 July and 1 October – due to take place on Thursdays and Sundays – would not run.
The operator said "ongoing infrastructure disruption affecting Holyhead Port" meant there was a knock-on effect for berth availability and scheduling "across the wider Irish Sea network, including Dublin Port".
Managing director Brian Thomson said "alternative travel options [remained] available through the company's Larne operations".
The government-owned ferry firm's back-up passenger and freight vessel, the Ben-My-Chree, is due to take over all Manx sailings to and from Larne from the fast craft Manannan from 23 July.
It will also operate the Dublin route when it returns next spring.
'Dependable services'
It had been an "extremely difficult decision", Thomson said, because the Steam Packet recognised the importance of the route "not just for passengers, but for business and wider relationships between the Isle of Man and Ireland".
He said although the Steam Packet had worked with the Dublin Port authorities, a solution could not be found alongside "maintaining the reliability of the wider network".
As a result, the company will "continue to focus on providing resilient and dependable services across core routes", while maintaining connectivity to and from the island of Ireland via the existing Larne service, he said.
Thomson added the cancellations were "not a withdrawal from Dublin" and spring sailings in 2027, including during the Isle of Man TT, would still take place.
The Steam Packet said sailings between Douglas and Larne would increase to three each week on a year-round basis from July.
Those booked to travel on the cancelled sailings can change their sailings free of charge or receive a refund, the firm added.
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