Taxis take the plunge in River Liffey

Taxis have taken to the water with the launch of a new river taxi in Dublin's Docklands.

The floating taxi - named the Liffey Ferry - takes passengers across the River Liffey - from Sir John Rogerson's Quay to North Wall Quay.Operated by Killary Cruises, who also run the successful Liffey Voyage river tour service, the ferry will be in operation each day during the week.

David Higgins, Project Director, Docklands Authority, said - "The Docklands Authority is delighted to launch Dublin's first river ferry service for over twenty years and we're confident it will be a success - particularly given the number of requests we have had to introduce such a service. The ferry will be a real asset to both workers and residents of Docklands, as well as those visiting the area."

The 12.5 metre-long Liffey Ferry seats 12 people and will initially operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. Tickets for the minute-long journey across the river will cost €2 or €10 for a book of ten tickets. Passengers board the boat at the diving bell on the south side of the river and at the Cill Airne pontoon on the north side.

The Liffey Ferry is an initiative of the Dockland Authority's River Regeneration Strategy, which aims to bring back life to the River Liffey. Other projects include the recent Docklands Maritime Festival, which attracted over 30,000 people to the Docklands area.