THERE has been no resolution to the future of the ferry service to Devenish Island almost two years after it was suspended, Ulster Unionist Councillor Howard Thornton has said. 
The monastic island, one of the most iconic sights in Fermanagh, had its ferry service stopped in August 2015 due to “budgetary pressures.”
At a recent Council meeting Mr. Thornton asked Council officials if there had been any resolution to the future of the service.
Director of Community, Health and Leisure Robert Gibson replied that he was not aware of any update or correspondence from the Historic Environment Division, part of the Department for Communities. 
Mr. Thornton was informed that despite meetings between officers and the Historic Environment Division there had been no resolution to the future of the ferry service from Trory.
He then asked if the Council’s tourist literature was ready, because “obviously it’s going to say one thing” referring to previous inclusion of the once popular service. 
Director of Regeneration and Planning Alison McCullagh replied that, in general terms, the tourist season would be starting from St. Patrick’s Day onwards, and “certainly from Easter”.
Referring to the tourist literature, she said she was aware that they’ve gone to print on some as it’s been required and added that, on social media, there was more scope. However, she added that the Council had been endeavouring through Destination Fermanagh to make engagement directly with the Department in charge but “to no avail at present.”
Mr. Thornton responded that they were coming into tourist season and the Council still didn’t know what was happening and had no response back from the Historic Environment Division.
“And there’s nothing more we can do other than disappoint tourists whenever they arrive,” he said.
It is understood that several private companies have expressed an interest in taking on the service. Afterwards Mr. Thornton criticised the “broken promises” saying the Council was told that the continuity of the ferry service would be resolved by November 2016 and then January 2017. 
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter he said: “Again, the incompetence in making a decision about the future of the ferry service compromises local tourism. The lack of decision making and interest displayed by the the Historic Environment Division is embarrassing for all those trying to enhance the tourist profile of Fermanagh.”