Ferry operator Irish Continental Group confirmed today the foot-and-mouth crisis has affected passenger numbers on Irish Sea ferry crossings.
Addressing shareholders at today's AGM in Dublin, company chairman Mr Thomas Toner said the restrictions in Ireland and the Government's advice on travel between Ireland and Britain has led to a fall in passenger numbers.
He said in the first three months of the company's financial year - November, December and January - passenger car numbers were up 5.9 per cent and roll-on, roll-off freight volumes were up 6.7 per cent.
Since the foot-and mouth crisis began, cumulative volume has fallen to 0.8 per cent in car carryings and 4.5 per cent in freight volumes.
But he said ICG "have the correct infrastructure in place to take advantage of the recovery which will undoubtedly follow this unfortunate episode."
Mr Toner also said the response to the Ulysses, the world's largest ferry, which started service on the Dublin/Holyhead route last Sunday had been "extremely positive".