JERSEY could contribute to the subsidy given to a French ferry company in a bid to achieve a more favourable timetable for Islanders wanting to make day trips to Normandy, the Economic Development Minister has confirmed.
During States questions yesterday, Deputy Kirsten Morel said that he had held discussions with the president of La Manche region regarding the timetables for the Manche-Iles Express services.
Jersey currently had ‘very little sway’ in influencing schedules because the operator was subsidised, Deputy Morel said, by French taxpayers and therefore committed to prioritising the needs of those wanting to visit the Channel Islands, but he added this could change.
He said: ‘Conversations with Monsieur Morin have been conducted in a very good manner and he’s very receptive. We know that operators such as Manche-Iles suffered financially during the pandemic due to lack of passengers, so he is open to the idea that Jersey may help financially in helping deliver that service.’
Deputy Morel said he was also committed to talking to Condor Ferries about increasing the number of options for Islanders wanting to make day trips to St Malo, although he appreciated that this was difficult as Condor now had one boat fewer than it had prior to the pandemic.
