Portaferry under pressure with cut in ferry crossing says Boyle
Ards and North Down Borough SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle has praised the resilience, courage and co-operation of the Portaferry and wider community for battling their way through all the current obstacles that they and their families and businesses are currently having to endure.
Cllr Boyle said: “I consistently lobby for investment across the Ards Peninsula and lately Portaferry has benefitted from a significant Public Realm Scheme nearing completion.
“And a new slipway is currently being created to improve health and safety involving a significantly reduced Strangford Ferry Service now in place, although, grateful that most of the large number of pupils attending a number of educational centres such as in Downpatrick are managing to be ferried across Strangford Lough to and from these educational centres in the evening.
“We also have DfI currently replacing footpaths along the Strand as well as the resurfacing of Lough Shore Road, the Ferry Queueing approach road along with the Strand and Castle Street all taking place whilst Ferry Slipway is being replaced.
“This is great investment and joined-up thinking within DfI greatly improving the centre of Portaferry and Shore front areas.
“However, it does bring its challenges, but the community has been brilliant and I keep them regularly updated. I always say that communication is key to a successful outcome.
Cllr Boyle added: “Unfortunately there is a downside to improvements and investment. This generally involves during this period the business community experiencing a weekend trade due to limited Strangford Passenger only Ferry Service.
“I believe that Minister O’Dowd along with the Strangford Ferry Service should be looking to additional crossings.
“There is a particular negative impact on the night time economy. It impoacts on events and those within hospitality sector, involving hotels, bars, restaurants and fast food takeaways and cafes all suffering from a downturn in business.”
He said: “On one hand we had storm Ashley playing havoc and forcing the closure of the Portaferry Road with flooding and treacherous conditions.
“And with the brighter part of the weekend and everything taking place, Portaferry claimed the Senior Hurling Championship which was played in Newry against neighboring and great rivals Ballygalget, so a massive congratulations to Portaferry on achieving three in a row and equally massive commiserations to Ballygalget who fought to the end and back in the final for the first time in 7 years.
“Well done to everyone involved and to the loyal supporters who traveled around the Ards Peninsula to and from Newry on a day that deteriorated badly with difficult weather conditions on the return journey home – thankfully everyone returned safely.”
