Passage East Ferry has announced a new partnership with the Waterford Estuary Villages’ Alliance aimed at supporting the future of communities around the estuary.

The ferry company will work with the alliance, known as WEVA, on projects promoting the area’s maritime heritage and encouraging greater involvement from businesses operating around the estuary.

WEVA represents five traditional fishing villages, Passage East and Cheekpoint in Waterford, along with Ballyhack, Arthurstown and Duncannon in Wexford.

The group was established to support the cultural and economic future of the villages following the decline of the local fishing industry.

Passage East Ferry, which links Passage East with Ballyhack, is seen by the alliance as a key connection between communities on both sides of the estuary.

Peter Hayes of Passage East Ferry said the company’s relationship with the area goes beyond operating the ferry service.

‘We work on these waters every day and connect communities on both sides of the estuary, so protecting this unique body of water, its heritage and its future is something that matters to us,’ he said.

WEVA Chairman Walter Foley said the partnership could support future projects including a network of heritage trails and the development of a blueway around the estuary.

‘We’re going to work closely together over the coming years in ways that benefit us mutually,’ he said.

The alliance organised nine heritage events across the Waterford Estuary during National Heritage Week this year, involving communities on both the Waterford and Wexford sides.

The new partnership will also seek to encourage more businesses and organisations connected to the estuary to get involved in WEVA’s work.