Lamb Banana 2005

THE TUSKAR TUNNEL!
The following article appeared in the "Wexford People" this week. It's an old plan revisited again - an Ireland Wales tunnel. The last time it was due to run between Dublin and Holyhead. However, yet again there is no explanation of how the difference between Irish and British railway track gauge is to be overcome! A railway tunnel from Rosslare Harbour to Wales has been proposed as a solution to the increasing needs of Irish importers and exporters and the demands on a creaking transport system. The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland says three quarters of companies feel that a tunnel linking Ireland to the UK and Continental Europe was important for Irish business. 'We should commence now at planning for the design, commissioning and completion of a Tuskar Tunnel, linking Ireland to continental Europe via Wales by 2025,' said CCI Chief Executive John Dunne, commenting on the results of a survey of 600 Irish business people. 'Nearly three quarters of companies felt that a tunnel linking Ireland's road network to the UK and Continental Europe was important to Irish business,' said Mr. Dunne. 'This would enable them to seize control of Ireland's destiny in the future and with a view to making Ireland the entry port of choice for pan-European trade with the arrival of super large container vessels,' he said. Mr. Dunne said while there was a high level of dissatisfaction with roads, 'we do acknowledge that progress is being made'. 'However, if we're serious about driving regional development then the Minister must publish a schedule for the construction of the Atlantic Roadway from Letterkenny to Waterford - particularly the stretch between Galway and Limerick - with a completion date by 2011 at the latest. 'Transport 21 needs to be more than mere optics. We need real, quantifiable metrics set out now, against which the plan's success can be measured and judged,' he said. The Tuskar Tunnel, estimated to cost more than €11 billion, could include a combination of bridges and tunnels, however, local sources suggested that such a project would remain in the realms of fantasy for the foreseeable future.
ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET AUSTRALIAN NEW BUILD ?	23 November 2005
ISS has received in response to an earlier "Lamb Banana" posting on May 15, 2005 information concerning a new build. The unsubstantiated information claims that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is in discussions with INCAT Australia about building a new fast ferry designed specifically to handle all year round conditions for use throughout the year on the Liverpool to Douglas route. The apparent aim is to have the new ship in service for 2008 if possible. Until then SUPERSEACAT TWO will be used all year round on the Liverpool to Douglas route.
ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY SOLD DOWN UNDER?	02 October 2005
There have been strong, though as yet unconfirmed, rumours circulating on the waterfront that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has actually been sold to an Australian Bank. Several weeks ago it was rumoured that the Australian McQuarie Bank had expressed an interest in acquiring the company. McQuarie recently acquired the Wightlink company which operates services to the Isle of Wight and thus have already gained a foothold in marine operations in the British Isles.
SUPERSEACAT TWO - TRANSFERRED TO MANX REGISTER?	24 July 2005
The appearance of an Isle of Man Ensign on SUPERSEACAT TWO provoked some speculation amongst enthusiasts gathering on the Isle of Man for the BEN-MY-CHREE's first "Round The Island" cruise on July 23, 2005. However, it looks as though it was more a case of the wrong flag being used rather than SUPERSEACAT TWO being transferred to the Manx registry Her port of registry remains Liverpool.
LADY OF MANN RUMOURS	25 May 2005
Allegedly, there are some potential buyers for the LADY OF MANN who are prepared to make her available for the next seven TT Festivals ......
IOMSPCO NEW BUILD?	15 May 2005
An unsubstantiated rumour has circulated this week that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company are seeking tenders for a new 130 metre high speed conventional vessel. The rumour suggests the vessel would have a service speed of 28 knots and would be placed year round on the Liverpool - Douglas route. SUPERSEACAT TWO being retained for for TT and the seasonal Ireland routes. Whether there is any substance in this remains to be seen.
SEA LIVERPOOL - JEANIE JOHNSTON TO VISIT??	20 March 2005
`Has anyone noticed the artist's impression of a sailing ship on the printed publicity material for Sea Liverpool 2005?` This artist's impression appears to be not just any old sailing ship but `is in fact the JEANIE JOHNSTON - the replica trans-Atlantic emigrant ship, built at Tralee, and completed in 2000. Now it might be that the artist just came along on a picture of this ship and used it as a model - or is it an indication that she may turn up - on Merseyside perhaps for the River Festival?`
MANX EXPRESS ?	27 February 2005
With the closure of Sea Containers Belfast to Troon service there is obviously going to be a problem for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in providing extra sailings from Belfast to Douglas for the Isle of Man TT Races. Some gossip on the waterfront suggests that CHERBOURG EXPRESS which will operate on the Larne - Troon service for P&O this season may be chartered to provide extra TT Festival capacity.
TROUBLE WITH TRILBIES?	05 February 2005
It is rumoured that the new Steam Packet uniforms which will feature the Manx Tartan will also see female members of the crew wearing trilbies. Should prove challenging in windy weather!
PONTUS	05 February 2005
Rumour on the Mersey waterfront concerning the Steam Packet's redundant floating terminal PONTUS suggests that she was to have been acquired for use as a Chinese Restaurant and berthed in the south docks. Whilst the plan certainly had some merit it fell through when it was realised that it was far too wide to fit through the remaining lock at Brunswick which was rebuilt years ago to serve the Liverpool Marina.