Controversial fences are not the only option

Controversial fences are not the only option

14 August 2013

OTHER options exist to control cruise ship passengers who arrive in Strangford Lough other than visually intrusive fences in two local villages.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed that other options are being looked at in a bid to come up with the best solution to ensure visiting passengers comply with immigration regulations.

Plans have been lodged to construct large fences at Strangford and Portaferry quays with gates and passenger holding areas which would allow immigration officials to inspect passports.

However, the plans have provoked outrage in the villages which residents claiming the fences would be eyesores and unnecessary.

But in a letter to South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, Mr. Kennedy said the fences are just one option which would comply with the requirements of the Department of Transport’s Maritime Laws for passenger vessels.

Miss Ritchie plans to meet the Minister to urge that the fence plans are abandoned.

“This fence would block access to the moorings and would be an infringement of the rights of the community of Strangford,” she said.

“Our tourism industry is important to our local business community. We must achieve a more suitable solution to this problem and one that is not detrimental to local residents and the local environment.”

The MP has also been in touch with Environment Minister Mark Durkan who has asked officials to ensure the fence planning applications are only concluded when all issues have been fully and properly considered.

“The Minister has confirmed that the Department are looking at a number of areas of concern, among these are the detrimental impact on the Strangford conservation area, including adjacent listed buildings; detrimental impact on the natural heritage of Strangford Lough, the existing rights of way, access and views of the Lough and inadequate information on the need for the fence,” she said.

Down Council vice-chairman, Gareth Sharvin, recently met with Danny Kennedy and asked him to consider an alternative way to meet the regulations.

“The Minister understood the objections to the fenced off area, but says that under the International Terrorism Act a process must be followed to provide such an area,” said Mr. Sharvin.

“The Minister said the fencing was to protect all of the quay and to ensure that those who did not follow the law, were being controlled through the area being suggested.”

Mr. Sharvin has also met with Planning Service officials to reinforce the large number of objections already submitted.

Councillor Sharvin stated:” “For a fence to be put in place, will take away from the natural beauty of Strangford Lough and in turn will take the tourism heart out of Strangford and Portaferry.”