She is a familiar feature with locals and tourists from all over the world – and now Peig Sayers is to be given a makeover that will give her a new lease of life.
It not the renowned and long departed Blasket Island storyteller, whose life story was once compulsory on the leaving certificate curriculum, who is to have a transformation but The Peig Sayers ferry, which has been bringing tourists from Dingle Harbour across the bay to experience the beauty and mystery of the Great Blasket Island for the last 22 years.
The owner of vessel, Billy O’Connor, has confirmed that the boat is to be fitted with new engines at the end of September, thanks to a €65,000 grant under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Scheme, implemented by Bord Iaschaigh Mhara.
“The Peig Sayers has been such a loyal servant to us,” said Billy, who runs the Great Blasket Island Experience.
“She is not only a ferry but a vital lifeline for the island, transporting goods from the mainland during the summer and winter months. She is a rubbish boat, a supply boat and a maintenance boat and when she breaks down, everything stops,” he said.
Being more than 20 years old The Peig Sayers has been breaking down more frequently, something that has been disrupting Billy’s tourism business.
“The new engines will make the ferry more reliable and ultimately it will have a positive impact on the business. We are thrilled that this work is going to take place and are very grateful to BIM,” said Billy.
The Great Blasket Experience is a seasonal tourism enterprise which operates full day eco tours from Dingle Bay to the Great Blasket Island from April to October. It is licensed to carry 12 passengers and for many years those on board got to see and interact with the famous dolphin, Fungie.
Outside of the tourist season The Peig Sayers makes regular trips to the island to manage the large number of sheep which are essential for the island’s ecosystem.
Billy’s grandfather and granduncle started the ferry business and commissioned The Peig Sayers to be built in 2001.
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