The Lough Foyle Ferry service will close on Sunday with the loss of 18 jobs for a number of months at least.
The ferry, which has been taking passengers from Greencastle to Magiligan in Derry since 2002, is to be suspended because of a lack of funding.
The ferry, which is used by tourists and cross-border workers saving them a 78km road journey, celebrated carrying its two millionth customer this year.
There are now fears that the ferry’s winter closure could spell the end for the service across the lough.
Signs have been erected at both ports apologising to customers following the closure of the service which takes just 10 minutes and goes every fifteen minutes.
Local Deputy Charlie McConalogue (FF) said the closure must be tackled at central Government level.
“The national Government has to get involved in this. The ferry has been very beneficial to the local economy and tourism locally.
“The service will not open again until the Spring at best and we need to do something about that,” he said.
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