17 September 1997
Report by Deirdre Kelly
The future of Inishturk Island was further secured with the launch of a new £150,000 ferry, the Caher Star, on Sunday.
Skippered by islander Jack Heanue, the ferry was officially launched by County Manager, Mr. Des Mahon, at the island's harbour.
The 23 ton ferry now opens up a regular access route to the island and will be a major boost for the future development of tourism on the outpost which has 98 residents. It is the first registered ferry service between Inishturk and the mainland and will be operated by Jack Heanue and crew member Richard O'Toole.
The new ferry, and a number of other boats in the island's fleet, were blessed by Fr. Michael Farragher. At a function in the island Community Centre to mark the occasion, Mr. Des Mahon said the launch was "a very historical day for the island; a special day in the lives of the people of Inishturk."
Access to the island was extremely important if tourism was to develop to its full potential. "There must be access," he said, "to make it possible for people from mainland Europe and Ireland to visit the islands."
Inishturk had a unique way of life that many people wanted to experience and the new ferry service would help forge links between the island community and the mainland for many years to come.
"It is important the service is there, is licenced, is convenient for people and this ferry will prove very important for the future development of tourism on Inishturk," he said. Mr. Mahon added Mayo County Council would continue to listen and respond to the development needs of the island.
The authority had played a role in the provision of a low landing pier and a helipad, liaising with the island Community Council regarding the needs of the community.
Mr. Jack Heanue said he was delighted to be in a position to provide the first licences ferry in the Caher Star to serve the community. "The Caher Star will prove an invaluable asset to Inishturk, providing it with regular access to the mainland, using Roonagh and Cleggan."
The days of relying on the generosity of fishing boat skippers were gone. As a dedicated ferry service, the Caher Star "will play a part in making life more bearable for this off-shore community."
He paid tribute to his wife, Helen, and family for their support in establishing the venture. Mayo County Council member, Mr. Martin Joe O'Toole, congratulated the Heanue family on providing the first official ferry service from Inishturk.
Great initiative had been shown and Mayo County Council were always willing to help foster local initiatives. As part of the continuing development of the island, Mayo County Council would be making a sizable investment in the island's roads over the coming two years.
"I am delighted the island is progressing at the rate it is," he said.
Island Manager, Dave Fitzgibbon, said the new ferry was evidence of the confidence people had in the future of the island. "The development we have seen over the last few years shows the people of this island have faith in themselves and they deserve great credit."
Ms. Deirdre Maher of BIM, said the PESCA programme operated by BIM said such schemes allowed fishermen to divert into marine tourism projects such as ferry operations.
The evening's proceedings were hosted by very capable MC, Tom Gillespie, Editor of the Connaught Telegraph.
Licenced to carry twelve passengers, the Caher Star will operate between Inishturk Harbour and Roonagh, just outside Louisburgh, and Cleggan in Galway. It was custom built of Mr. Heanue, an experienced boat-man who had run the mailboat between Cleggan and Inishturk for many years.
Fitted with the most up-to-date navigational equipment the Caher Star is ultra-modern with in-cabin seating for twelve passengers. It also has toilet facilities and extensive window space guarantees a panoramic view of Clew Bay. It is also fully fitted with fire fighting equipment, life jackets and lifeboat.
The Caher Star operates Monday to Thursday between Inishturk and Cleggan, departing Inishturk for Cleggan at 9.30a.m. and returning from Cleggan to Inishturk at 11a.m. The evening service departs the island at 5p.m., returning from Cleggan at 6.30p.m.
Operating from Roonagh Pier on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the ferry departs Inishturk at 10a.m. and leaves the mainland again at 11.30a.m. In the evening the ferry leaves Inishturk at 5p.m. and returns from Roonagh at 6.30p.m.
The journey lasts one hour and the fare is £10 return. Bookings can be made on (098) 45541.
