CONTROVERSIAL plans for permanent fences at Strangford and Portaferry harbours to control passengers from visiting cruise ships are not necessary, according to the body which is proposing them.
Temporary fencing could be used for the handful of cruise ships which visit each year which would fully satisfy new rules governing immigration which were brought in after the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York.
Officials from the Department of Regional Development (DRD) knew that temporary fencing would be suitable but pressed ahead with a planning application for huge permanent fencing at both towns because it would provide additional security for their own vessels.
An internal DRD memo which was written in May before the planning applications were made clearly states that security concerns could be addressed by temporary fencing.
The memo, which has been seen by the Down Recorder, says the creation of fenced off controlled access points may seem disproportionate particularly as the numbers of passengers are so small.
“However, the Department for Transport Maritime Security have made it very clear
that this issue is not negotiable even though the access points will only be used for very short periods on a handful of occasions each year,” said the memo.
The cost of the fencing in both towns would be around £12,000 and it is planned to leave the gates open when the cruise ships are not embarking or disembarking.
However, the memo accepts that the fencing, which have been described locally as ‘cages’, will have most impact in Strangford.
“The proposed fencing in Strangford is more extensive and may be more visually obtrusive,” said the memo which also highlights a benefit to the DRD of such fencing.
“As well as creating a controlled area, the fencing will significantly improve the security of our vessels when they are moored at the quay.
“There is, however, a strong possibility that local residents will object to the planning
application. If there should be substantial objection to the fencing, we will reconsider proposals to erect the permanent fencing or to use temporary fencing as and when required.
“If the fencing proposals do not go ahead, because of objections or because planning approval is refused, the controlled areas will be created using temporary fencing,” adds the memo.
The memo also points out that the security risk posed by passengers using Strangford and Portaferry has been judged to be at the lowest possible level.