Ro-ro rivalry on Irish Sea
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RIVAL consortiums in Bris and Barry are competing launch a new ro/ro service the Irish Sea.
The Bristol group under t wing of businessman Edwa Mackeson has set up Bris Commercial Ferries (CM, SE tember 4) to operate betwe Avonmouth and Rosslare, thr times a week, starting from n( April. However the Welsh gra is set to get in first with a simi service between Barry and Cc in the New Year.
It is anticipated that the Wel enterprise will be supported EEC aid which is denied to t west of England because t Port of Bristol is not in a c velopment zone. The Bar scheme has also gained t backing of the South Glamorg and Vale of Glamorgan counc and could qualify for Wel Office aid.
But Mr Mackeson feels O. Avonmouth's motorway in and facilities are better th those that can be offered Barry. "Our market research h shown that we will come out I top," he predicted.
Both groups also face comp titian from B+I's passenger al cargo service between Pei broke and Cork. However, the is speculation that this could withdrawn in the New Year, c pending upon the attitude of t new Irish Government.
The last service betwel Avonmouth and Ireland — r by the Bristol Steam Navigatil Company — closed a few yea ago.