MLA wants new debate on a Strangford Lough bridge

MLA wants new debate on a Strangford Lough bridge

21 November 2012

BUILDING a bridge between Strangford and Portaferry should be considered in the wake of rising costs for the local ferry service.

South Down Assemblyman Chris Hazzard said while talk about a bridge over the internationally acclaimed waterway is not new, he believes the issue should now be considered after confirmation that the Strangford Lough ferry crossing has operated at a loss of £4m over the past four years.

He said the ferry service provides a vital service to people from both the Ards peninsula and South Down and has done since its launch in 1969. But the MLA said it’s costing a substantial amount, in both capital expenditure and operational costs.

Mr. Hazzard said the question which must be addressed is a straight forward one. Is the ferry service cost effective and sustainable?

He said while the operational and notional costs of the service are known, the associated costs, including the purchase of six vessels since 1969, have not been revealed by the Department for Regional Development. Mr. Hazzard said he is seeking these costs from the department.

“I am concerned that this remains the case and in light of the recent news and in the absence of clarity about the true cost of the service, I feel it’s appropriate that discussions about the future of the ferry service begin,” he continued.

“Any such discussion will have to incorporate alternatives to the ferry service and at the top

of that list is a road bridge linking the two villages. I’m aware the campaign

for a bridge across Strangford Lough is not a new one and remain open to all views.”

The MLA said he’s keen to build on the recent approval of the Narrow Water Bridge, linking Warrenpoint with Co. Louth. Mr. Hazzard believes a bridge over Strangford Lough would further develop transport corridors across the east coast of Ireland and open up service delivery in the lower Ards and Strangford areas.

The Roads Service is awaiting a report on the service but Portaferry councillor Joe Boyle says the ferry provides a life line and tourist attraction to the area.

“There are a number of factors that need to be teased out by those responsible for establishing so called cost saving measures, not least the difference in identifying loss from cost,” he said. “The reality is that the figure of £1.7m last year could be attributed to an unusually high repair cost to either the ‘Portaferry II’ or the ‘MV Strangford’ in comparison to other years, or does each year include these costings to both vessels?

Down councillor Gareth Sharvin said the service was not a luxury for local people.

“It is a necessity for transport from Strangford to the Ards Peninsula,” he said. “Any changes to the ferry services need to include consultation with the local people using the ferry. I look forward to reading the report presented and critically evaluating the recommendations included.”