Boyle: Ards Peninsula Facing Hardship During Ferry Refit

MV Portaferry II. “This generally commences in October, depending on work required, for a period of a minimum of six weeks. During this re-fit the smaller 42-year old support vessel the  MV Strangford would be in operation. [caption id="attachment_20465" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Ards Councillor Joe Boyle is concerned about the capacity of the Strangford ferry service to meet demand during the refit of one of its vessels."][/caption] “Clearly because of the reduced vehicle carrying capacity , this will result in disruption, inconvenience and delays for the users of the early morning crossings. It is just not fit for purpose. The latest problem surrounding the future viability of the  MV Strangford has now reached a critical and very serious situation.” However, in a statement from the DRD Roads Service who manage the ferry, a spokesperson said, “The big ferry is in normal operation [Portaferry II]. It is the smaller one that is in re-fit [MV Strangford]. To date there have been no issues with capacity and the service is running normally.” But in disputing the role of the ferry, Councillor Boyle said, “I understand that the MV Strangford has been identified as requiring a significant spend on essential repairs. An estimated cost for this latest repair has been banded about to be somewhere in the region of between £0.5m and £0.75m. The vessel is currently out of commission and is not expected to be operating during the Easter period and possibly for a considerable period after that. “This will result in a major reduction of traffic with vehicle and passengers not being able to access the crossing of Strangford Lough. In vehicle-carrying capacity terms, because of only the  MV Portaferry II operating, it reduces what can be on average between 4500 – 5000 vehicles over the Easter period to approximately just over 2000. In monetary terms it will mean significant revenue loss on tourism for the area combined with a substantial reduction in income for the Ferry Service. “The income loss for the Ferry Service alone could be in excess of £250,000 over the Easter period. This will be a massive blow to businesses within the area as well as to the visitor centres such as Exploris, one of Northern Ireland’s top visitor centres located  in Portaferry. The overall tourism package of facilities on offer will also be affected and will certainly have a negative impact on the marketing and promotion of the location as a ‘must visit ‘ destination for the visitor and tourist. [caption id="attachment_20466" align="alignright" width="400" caption="The Portaferry II heading over Strangford Lough from Strangford to Portaferry."][/caption] “The MV Strangford needs to be replaced with one similar to the current larger vessel the MV Portaferry II which would also alleviate any further problems during the annual re-fit. “It is my understanding that the ramps on the MV Strangford need replacing along with associated works and this alone will require a tendering process governed by EU regulations, quotes to be considered, time frames of expected work. The actual work required has to be completed to Marine Safety Agency standards whereby each vessel is issued with a Class V Passenger Certificate that qualifies it for voyages in smooth waters.” Councillor Boyle added, “For the foreseeable future This is a very serious situation.  There is no support vehicle,  capacity -carrying vessel in the event of any problems occurring with the main  MV Portaferry II. The Strangford Ferry management team must therefore determine without delay as to whether or not such a significant expenditure cost for repairs is justified on such an aged vessel.” He also expressed his concern that the Department previously replaced the original  MV Portaferry with a younger vessel than the  MV Strangford “because of high maintenance costs along with doubts of its dependability presents the Department with little choice, in a value for money context other than to commission a new vessel. “The regular users and  visitors of this facility along with tourists to the area need a sound dependable service and only the provision of new replacement vessel can instill the confidence within that of everyone concerning this issue.”]]>