Nostalgia: Carrick was ‘ideal site’ for jetfoil link

The issue was first brought to the attention of the harbour sub-committee before it came before the council in January 1981.

A report prepared by a consultancy firm on the viability of the scheme concluded that Carrick would be a “satisfactory site” for the location of such a service.

Councillor Mark Armstrong suggested that Carrick would be an “ideal site” for a jetfoil service”.

“We have the necessary road and rail links and existing harbour facilities. If capital could be found to build a terminal and finance the operation, a success could be made of the scheme.”

Councillor Neeson claimed that some ferry services to the Continent were cheaper than crossings to Northern Ireland and stated that competition was needed to “keep prices down”.