Replace Strangford ferry vessel MP urges Stormont Minister

Replace Strangford ferry vessel MP urges Stormont Minister

7 November 2012

STORMONT Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has been asked to provide the money to replace the oldest of the two vessels operating on the Strangford to Portaferry ferry crossing.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said there is an urgent need to replace the MV Strangford as the vessel is “inefficient and unreliable.”

The Roads Service, which is responsible for the ferries which operate on Strangford Lough, agrees that the MV Strangford does need to be replaced and that a decision was taken recently to initiate a procurement process.

The development of a business case to replace the ferry and the appointment of consultants to carry out the work is currently under consideration.

Subject to the necessary approvals being in place, finance to purchase the new ferry could be available in 2015.

Miss Ritchie said the MV Strangford, which is pressed into service when the MV Portaferry II is undergoing its annual refit and at busy times over the summer, is releasing a great deal of fumes and other discharges into the environmentally sensitive waters of the internationally acclaimed waterway.

She continued: “The MV Strangford must be replaced with a new, fit for purpose vessel to ensure the future and further development of community, business and tourism in Down District.

“Crucially, the MV Strangford needs to be replaced to ensure the continuing safety of commuters and regular motorists and pedestrians.”

The South Down MP said in the current difficult and testing economic times, it’s vital the Department of Regional Development invests in the replacement of the ferry.

“This must happen without delay in order to sustain business, tourism and communities, and also plan for their future development,” she said.

“I have urged Minister Kennedy to ensure appropriate finance is allocated for the replacement of the MV Strangford without further delay.”