Brittany Ferries to resume sailings from Cork, but motorists face another problem in France...

Fuel shortages

A Brittany Ferry during a crossing

Brittany Ferries

thumbnail: A Brittany Ferry during a crossing
thumbnail: Brittany Ferries
Pól Ó Conghaile

Brittany Ferries' Pont Aven is set to sail again this weekend, after cancellations disrupted thousands of holidays.

Sailings between Cork and Roscoff were cancelled on May 13, 14, 20 and 21 as a result of repair works to components within the propeller shaft, the company said.

Brittany Ferries has apologised to thousands of passengers for holiday disruption, and says it has contacted those affected to offer advice and discuss options.

"Where possible, passengers were re-booked on the nearest available alternative crossing," it says. Others were given a full refund.

The Pont Aven is expected to resume service on May 26, with sailings from Roscoff to Cork (May 27) and Cork to Roscoff (May 28) expected to operate as scheduled.

Brittany Ferries' flagship vessel can carry up to 2,400 passengers and 650 cars, and also operates a service between Plymouth and Santander in Spain.

The ship is reported to have developed the technical problems within its propeller shaft while sailing between Ireland and France, and diverted to Brest.

Passengers are advised to check brittanyferries.ie for further updates.

Meanwhile, drivers in France are faced with further issues as industrial action blockading several oil refineries in the country has forced hundreds of petrol stations to close, and others to limit the amount of petrol and diesel they dispense.

The problems come as thousands of holidaymakers and Euro 2016 soccer fans prepare for a summer exodus by car and camper van from Ireland.

Several overseas drivers have become stranded after running out of fuel, according to the AA. Holidaymakers are advised to travel on a full tank.