The company running the only ferry service to the island of Inis Mór has confirmed that it is ceasing its operations next month.

Residents of the island held an emergency meeting last night after the news emerged that Island Ferries Teoranta will end daily runs to and from the island on January 17. 

The stopping of the service comes after a Supreme Court ruling that forced the company to retroactively pay landing charges. 

Island Ferries Teoranta challenged the decision made by Galway City Council to introduce an 80c charge on all passengers landing at the Cill Rónáin harbour. 

The owner of the company, Paddy O'Brien, told RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta that he hopes to start the daily service again in March. 

"We will try to start up the service again around St Patrick's Day, but the county council or harbourmaster may put a stop to it because we're not paying fees."

Paddy also added that he regrets the difficulty caused to Inis Mór residents, but it was no longer economically feasible for the company to operate the route during the winter months.