People living on Oileán Thoraí off the coast of Co Donegal say they will not allow a boat, contracted by Government to provide a ferry service, to land at the island pier.
The Queen of Aran is due to serve the route from 1 April, but islanders say the vessel, which is over 40-years-old, is not suitable for the difficult crossing from the mainland.
The owner of the boat says it is undergoing a complete refit and will be fit for the crossing when the work is completed.
However, islanders say what is needed is a purpose-built ferry and, without this, families will leave the island.
Islanders say new ferry not fit for purpose | More: https://t.co/wb1UiWvLKn pic.twitter.com/7ZyYs4zDle
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 9, 2018
