Ireland South European Candidate Deirdre Clune has criticised Stena Line Ferries for dropping Irish suppliers following their takeover of Irish Ferry company Celtic Link Ferries.

“I am deeply disappointed that Stena Line has chosen to drop Irish suppliers in favour of Swedish ones. Celtic Link Ferries has contributed to the Southern economy for over 10 years. The service currently provides a three times weekly service between Rosslare and France with the Mv Celtic Horizon, which can carry 1,000 passengers, 200 cars and 120 freight units”

“After hearing reports, I contacted Stena Line today in Sweden. They informed me that they had reviewed their supplier list and contacted a number of local suppliers in Ireland South and told them they would not be continuing with their services. Stena Line told me that they would instead be sourcing some of the services currently provided by local Irish suppliers from their central purchasing department in Sweden.”

“The deal to buy Celtic Ferries was concluded in late February and Stena took over the operations of Celtic in late March.  While all of the 65 staff who worked with Celtic Ferries at Rosslare and Cherberg will transfer to Stena Line, the dropping of local suppliers will hurt the South East region”

“I would call on Stena Line to review their commitment to their new Irish operations and re instate Irish suppliers immediately”