A new Swansea to Cork Ferry is due to be re-established next spring. The connection ceased in 2006 but is set to resume from March 1, 2010.

The 1,800-passenger ferry Julia, which was recently refitted, is to serve the route under a new operating company called Fastnet Line formed by a consortium of private investors following an online campaign. Fastnet Line was set up in April following a year-long campaign to reintroduce this ferry service.

It is funded by a co-operative of small private investors from Cork, Kerry, South Wales and worldwide plus bank loans. The vessel, which was owned by a Finnish bank, will be renamed the Innisfallen.

The ferry was acquired after the consortium launched a co-operative society, and invited people in Ireland and South Wales to back in the venture with pledges of €10,000. Fastnet Line is now looking for a CEO to take control of the business as it gears up to launch.