RESIDENTS of Passage East in Co Waterford mounted a protest yesterday against the introduction of a new and larger car ferry on the crossing of the River Suir to Ballyhack, Co Wexford.
Gardai were called as members of a local action committee temporarily blocked the disembarkation of two tourist vans from the existing ferry, claiming that they exceeded an agreed limit.
The Passage East committee claims the ferry is causing traffic build-up, noise and other pollution in the picturesque village.
The company's new ferry, the Edmond D, is much larger and faster than the Dunbrody, which has operated the route for the past 15 years.
The new vessel can carry 30 cars, double the capacity of the Dunbrody. It represents, with ancillary works, an investment of some £300,000. It is berthed at Ballyhack, pending final preparations for service.
The managing director of the ferry company, Mr Derek Donnelly, said he had given an under-taking not to bring large commercial vehicles into the village.
However, Mr Tony O'Brien, of the action committee, claimed that the "gentleman's agreement" on the weight limit was frequently breached, with Telecom lorries being carried, and also earthmovers and dumpers of up to 30 tons.
The protesters complained that there had been no local consultation about the introduction of a larger ferry. They are also opposed to proposals for the construction of a dry dock and a mooring dolphin.
"We don't want to interrupt anyone's holiday or to stop men from Wexford getting to work in Waterford," said Mr O'Brien, after the picket was lifted to allow tourist and other vehicles to continue on their way. But a bit of respect has to be shown to us.
Pensioners Jim and Kathleen Heffernan, who live within yards of the slipway, joined the protest. "We're quite willing for Mr Donnelly to buy our house, because we've had it up to here," said Mrs Heffernan.
The ferry company points out that the service provides an important link for tourists and local people between two major areas of the south-east, south Wexford and south-east Waterford.
However, residents of Passage East contend that this traffic has brought little or no economic benefit to the village, as most ferry users are simply seeking to shorten their journeys between more distant destinations on either side. A 200 name petition has been taken up opposing the operation of the ferry.
A meeting is expected to take place today between the company management and representatives of the action committee.