Cruise ships barred from entering lough

Cruise ships barred from entering lough

17 July 2013

THREE small cruise ships have been turned away from Strangford Lough because Portaferry and Strangford do not have controlled areas for passengers, it has been claimed.

Down councillor Gareth Sharvin says he has been told the Department of Regional Development (DRD)will not allow the ships into the lough until fenced off areas are provided at the two villages which will allow passengers’ passports to be examined.

The news is the latest twist in an ongoing saga surrounding the DRD plans to construct large fenced-off areas at the quays of both Portaferry and Strangford — much to the anger of local residents.

Mr. Sharvin says at a time of economic downturn turning away tourists from the district worries him greatly.

“This defeats the purpose of Down District Council trying to promote Strangford Lough as a worldwide tourist attraction,” he said.

“After the announcement from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment that tourism figures have stayed the same comparing to 2011 to 2012, the incidents around the three small cruise ships highlights a concern that must not be ignored,” he added.

“There is huge potential for the tourism of Strangford Lough and it can play a greater role in our local economy. I will be contacting Minister Arlene Foster and will also seek to have a discussion with her around the issue of cruise ships into Strangford Lough and the need for co-operation in boosting tourism for both Strangford and Portaferry.”

The Down Council vice-chairman said the proposed fencing at both Strangford and Portaferry will have a major impact on the scenery in the villages. He said there is a need to clarify the reasons behind the proposal which is something he, and South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, will raise at the meeting with Mrs. Foster.

“The lack of communication with both residents from Strangford and Portaferry, is disappointing and needs to addressed. If Department of Regional Department (DRD) and Planning Services continue to request an area of controlled access, they need to consider all options and possible alternatives.

“I could list a number of possible solutions, but taking from what is already used across the world is that security checks can be carried out on the small cruise ships before the passengers disembark. Another is that temporary controlled gates could be dispatched when a cruise ship is visiting the Lough.”