The governments of Jersey and Guernsey and Sark’s Chief Pleas have agreed a package of financial support for Manche Iles Express.
The Normandy based fast ferry service has asked the Channel Islands governments for help, citing ‘increased operating costs’ which it says, puts it at financial risk.
In order to keep the service running next year, £370,000 has been pledged:
- The Government of Jersey has committed €200,000.
- The States of Guernsey is going to give €167,000.
- The Sark Chief Pleas has said they will donate €3000.
The combined financial contribution is dependent on the scheduled ferry service operating in 2025.
The Departmental Council of La Manche (DCLM) is also seeking additional funding from the ports of Carteret, Diélette and Granville, where the ferry services operate from.
Kirsten Morel, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development in Jersey, says keeping Manche Illes going is important:
"From increasing tourism, enabling business opportunities, or simply connecting friends and family across the Channel, Islanders have benefited from the passenger services offered by Manche Iles Express for two decades, and it continues to provide a valuable service.
"It is important we therefore support the service in the short term whilst working together on a longer-term solution.”
Lyndon Trott, Guernsey's senior politician, says Manche Illes brings in valuable tourism revenue from Normandy:
“With our cultural connections to Normandy, and the attraction of the likes of the Maison de Victor Hugo, Guernsey offers an excellent destination for summer French visitors wishing to come to and experience what the Islands have to offer.
Losing the service would be a significant loss to the Bailiwick and our wider economies and I am pleased to confirm the Bailiwick of Guernsey’s support for the service next year. We look forward to working with DLCM to develop the service beyond 2025.”
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