Ferry issues need sorted

Ferry issues need sorted

5 November 2014

SOUTH Down MP Margaret Ritchie has urged the Department for Regional Development to resolve ongoing issues with the Strangford ferry service following recent delays.

Mr. Ritchie has called for the modern large ferry to be reinstated after it was taken out of service for maintenance work.

She said the smaller temporary vessel was prone to breaking down and was proving a “real nuisance” for the local community.

“Since this smaller vessel was put in service a few weeks ago, there have been several ongoing problems,” she said. “In the short space of time it has been operating, the smaller, temporary ferry has been on and off for maintenance works.

“I understand there is also problems with the ramps on the ferry.

“This vessel is supposed to provide a temporary resolution to an ongoing problem but what it is doing instead, is adding to a long list of problems that local travellers are facing when using the ferry.

“I have called upon the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy, to resolve the issues concerning the ferry so disruption is minimised.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Regional Development said the backup vessel, MV Strangford, had been in service since October 13 because the main vessel, MV Portaferry II, was undergoing its annual refit. 

She said the annual refit of the main vessel involved essential maintenance required to renew the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. and was due to be completed by December 1 when the MV Portaferry II will return to service.

“The backup vessel, MV Strangford is now 45 years-old and, subject to the availability of finance, is due to be replaced with a new ferry during 2016,” she said.

“When the older backup vessel is in operation, there is an increased risk of service disruption due to mechanical breakdown, however arrangements are in place to ensure that all such incidents are dealt with as speedily as possible to minimise any disruption to passengers.

“The Department apologises for any inconvenience caused by these service disruptions.”