Historic No. 11 Liffey Ferry returns after 35 years
22 January 2019
Public to “cross the Liffey in a Jiffy” on new water taxi service –
Proceeds to fund return of local maritime training programme
Dublin’s historic No.11 Liffey Ferry will today officially return to the capital’s waters after a 35-year absence, following a complete restoration in a joint project by Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council.
The much-loved ferry service had been vital in linking the North docks and South docks communities at a time when the nearest river crossing was Butt Bridge but was decommissioned in 1984 following the completion of the East Link Bridge.
But now the No. 11 will be a familiar sight again in the heart of Dublin as she taxis passengers between three points – the 3Arena to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay and back – starting Monday 11th February, running Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring will be a guest of honour at a ceremony held by Dublin Port Company today to mark the No. 11 Liffey Ferry’s return to service. On board for her first official trip across the river again will be Mr Richie Saunders from Ringsend, who worked on the No.11 originally as a coxswain, who was instrumental in preserving the boat in recent years, and who will be back at the helm again to ferry a new generation of passengers north and south of the river.
The service to cross the Liffey dates back to 1665 when it was given a Royal Charter by King Charles II and went on to last more than 300 years. The new service will have capacity for 18 people at a time, and commuters across Docklands making the trip will pay €2 for each three-minute journey point to point – with the vessel equipped to accept both Leap Card and cash fares.
The No. 11 was essential transport for workers at the docks and became affectionately known by Dubliners as ‘the dockers’ taxi’. The boat was bought by Dublin Port Company in 2016, having been preserved by Richie Saunders with the aim of bringing her back to service. Operated by the Irish Nautical Trust, all proceeds from passengers’ fares will be used to help fund the return of a new maritime training programme.
The Irish Nautical Trust’s original maritime training programme, which has been dormant for the past 12 years, is now set to resume in February 2019, and will offer young adults from the inner city and docklands areas the opportunity to gain practical marine experience and a formal qualification accredited by the Irish Sailing Association.
Each course will provide 8-10 people at a time with six months’ hands-on experience of the port, the wider maritime industry, driving, skippering, essential boat maintenance and repairs under the tutelage of experienced and retired seamen. The objective of the programme is to give young people a skill set and future in Ireland’s maritime industry through learning by doing, with the No. 11 Liffey Ferry the new mascot of the programme. In this way, essential maritime skills now in short supply are less at risk of being forgotten or lost if they can be passed on to a new generation through formal training and mentoring.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, said: “The Liffey Ferry is part of Dublin’s story and to see the No.11 back on the River after all this time is fantastic, and testament to those who had the foresight to preserve this important piece of history. The ferry will be returning to a very different Dublin than the one she left, but I have no doubt that a new generation of Dubliners will enjoy this very welcome addition to the city just the same. I acknowledge Dublin Port for playing its part in securing the return of what was, and I have no doubt will once again be, a much-loved service. Dublin City Council and Dublin Port are to be commended for their energy, foresight and commitment to bringing back this iconic piece of Dublin history.”
Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “Dublin Port is delighted to bring the No. 11 Liffey Ferry back in service with the support of Dublin City Council in the latest initiative to connect both port and city. There are those in nearby Ringsend, Irishtown, East Wall and further afield who will remember catching the ferry to work, and I have no doubt her return will bring back fond memories for many. There is also a new generation living and working in the port and docklands, and I am confident that the No. 11 Liffey Ferry will create new traditions and memories on the river in the years to come. I would encourage everyone in the city to support the service, knowing that this will in turn help the Irish Nautical Trust in its work to train and create employment opportunities for young people in the maritime industry.”
Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council, said: “Dublin City Council is proud to support the return of the No. 11 Liffey Ferry, bridging the city north and south for pedestrians, commuters and tourists alike. The addition of the service further animates the River Liffey, which is already home to an array of leisure craft, sports and events, much of it deeply rooted in the history and people of docklands. The return of No. 11 will be a welcome experience for those yet to experience crossing the Liffey by ferry, while offering a trip down memory lane for many others in the capital.”