Department asked to review problems on Strangford ferry

Department asked to review problems on Strangford ferry

31 May 2017

THE Department for Infrastructure has been asked to address a series of issues about the new multi-million pound ferry which went into service on Strangford Lough earlier in the year.

Councillor Naomi Bailie has asked the government department to explain why the MV Strangford II carries up to six vehicles fewer than the ferry it replaced which had been in service for five decades.

She claims that during the consultation process that led to the procurement of the new ferry, departmental officials gave an assurance that the MV Strangford II would carry the same number of vehicles as its predecessor.

“Myself and other political representatives were assured that any new vessel would carry at least the same amount of cars or more,” said councillor Bailie, claiming the ferry’s reduced capacity is responsible for increased queues waiting to board on both sides of Strangford Lough.

“I’ve contacted the government department many times in the past to complain about how these queues often end up effectively shutting down the village of Strangford, with residents and visitors unable to pass through the village safely.”

Councillor Bailie said the reduced ferry capacity is felt on the Portaferry side of the waterway first thing in the morning with people trying to get to work. She said the length of the queue often means people miss the first sailing in the morning.

“Some people are queueing from 7am but have to wait for a place on the 8.15am sailing,” she continued, explaining this situation often occurs during the winter months.

Councillor Bailie said the Department of Infrastructure recognised the issue and agreed to introduce an earlier sailing from Portaferry on a temporary basis. She said the 7.15am crossing should now be made permanent given the reduced capacity of the MV Strangford II.

She added: “The working week has been extended for many from when the ferry crossing times were originally set decades ago. Most people start their working day between 8am and 8.30am with a significant number using the ferry crossing to get to work, particularly those employed in the public sector and at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick.

“Given that the working week for hospital staff has increased, it is important the ferry service moves with the times to accommodate them.”

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said the organisation is currently considering the issues raised by councillor Bailie.