THE company that owns Irish Ferries has
blamed the foot and mouth crisis for plunging profits.
Irish
Continental Group made €11.4 million in the 12 months to October 31, compared
to €19 million the previous year. However, as the firm changed its accounting
year in 2001, the revised profit figure is €9 million in the 14 months to
December 31.
Passenger
numbers declined by 4% to 1.7 million last year due to foot and mouth. The
impact was most severe on the Pembroke-Rosslare crossing which experienced a
16% drop in custom, while Holyhead-Dublin held up to similar levels of the 1.1
million passengers carried in 2000.
The
group also suffered with declining sales at its travel agency Tara Travel,
which caused the company to incur a €3.2 million loss in 2001.
In a move to boost business, Irish Ferries is offering
15% off bookings made before March 28. Reservations must be made from its
Ireland – Inclusive Holidays by Sea and Air brochure and are valid on the
Pembroke- Rosslare route.