A new freight service has begun running to the Aran Islands. The service, which began on Tuesday 1 January, is to run until 2012 and was the subject of a contract between the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Lasta Mara Teo.

The contract is worth €4,771,787 and will see a 30 per cent price reduction on average for the island's communities.

This approach accords with the Government's strategy of alleviating living costs on islands to the greatest extent possible. Three years ago, the cost of transporting freight to the Aran Islands was halved. With a further 30 per cent decrease on average in charges, many goods that would have cost €100 in freight four? years ago will cost only €35 in 2008.

The service will continue to operate from Galway Docks until January 2009, at which time it is intended to transfer it to Ros an Mhíl. The installation of a new crane and pallet lifter on the main vessel, Bláth na Mara will significantly enhance the efficiency of the service. As well as the normal schedule, the contract provides for chartering 20 extra sailings a year from Ros an Mh?l to deal with heavy freight.

Announcing this contract, Minister Eamon O Cúiv said that it is evident that Lasta Mara Teo. is committed to providing an excellent service for the Aran Islands. He said he is confident that this will continue under the new contract.

"I am delighted with the improvements that have been made to the freight service in recent years, through the dedicated efforts of Lasta Mara Teo. and the initiatives taken by my Department. With the transfer of the service to Ros an Mhíl and the major investment in harbour facilities that is underway, the communities on the Aran Islands can look forward to an even more enhanced service in the years ahead," the Minister concluded.

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