Down politicians comment on the impending Strangford ferry problem
Shannon Calls For Reconsideration On Strangford Ferry Closure.
Strangford DUP MP Jim Shannon has asked the Department of Infrastructure if there is any possibility that the necessary work to Strangford Ferry infrastructure could be carried out in a way to allow even a reduced service.
The Department for Infrastructure intends to commence works on the slipways in Strangford and Portaferry from Monday 14th October for five weeks.
He said: “There are school children who use the ferry for travel to school and their day will be incredibly long when relying on busses to take them on the Journey.
“Some users have suggested that a phased repair which would allow a reduced service to operate would be preferable and I have voiced this plea to TNI at this time.
“This ferry is relied on by so many and whilst the work is needed – I do hope that other considerations could enable reduced service or even a reduced time frame.
“it is only when the ferry isn’t operating that we realise how truly essential it is to the lives of many in the peninsula on both sides!”
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SDLP Portaferry Councillor Joe Boyle Expresses Disappointment
Ards and North Down Borough Councillor Joe Boyle has expressed his disappointment at the Department for Infrastructure ( DFI ), in failing to respond to his enquiry to the Private Office of DFI Sinn Fein Minister John O’ Dowd, on 25th August with reference to the Strangford Ferry Service notice of now completely suspending the service for 5 weeks.
Portaferry-based Councillor Joe Boyle said: “This will no doubt cause a great deal of inconvenience to those traveling to their work, those within construction, those within farming, those attending six places of education.
“This adds significant increase of traffic on an already very busy and structurally poor A20 Portaferry to Newtownards road.
“This road is consistently being interrupted by DFI Roads for maintainence along with NI Water who have a habit of forcing closure of roads with absolutely no notice.
“These works are to implement essential health and safety issues at the slipways commencing on the 14th October and predicted to last for 5 weeks.”
Cllr Boyle questioned the DfI saying “Is this the best the DFI can do? Have they explored other ways so that such disruption need not take place?
“Do they actually understand the inconvenience to be caused loading a road such as the A20, a road with already a high number of accidents and fatalities, with an even greater number of vehicles.
“There are many issues surrounding this news not least the impact on the reduction to local businesses and visitors to Portaferry and throughout the Ards Peninsula.
“It will clearly have an impact on numbers visiting ‘ Exploris ‘ and indeed DFI will have to give consideration to those with journey purchased tickets with limited usage left, all these aspects need to be and I expect to have been or currently being given careful consideration.”
Cllr Boyle added: “I’m not so sure the Department actually realises the noticeable increase in traffic flow, the journey involving extra times that will now be in place.
“I would appeal to everyone to drive safely with extra care, not to take unnecessary risks and leave in plenty of time for journeys.”
he added: “I am very concerned as I know this alternative route is making an already bad situation worse.
“Is this the best and only alternative on offer? The alternative arrangements are not great and probably fall well short of what is needed, a bus substitution for some or all and a reduced passenger ferry, what does that really mean? The question remains outstanding is that does it have to be like this ? Or is this the easiest option for Dfi ?
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Alliance Representatives Write to Minister Regarding Strangford Lough Ferry Suspension
Alliance MLAs Nick Mathison and Kellie Armstrong (Strangford), alongside Councillor Cadogan Enright (Downpatrick DEA), have called on the Minister for Infrastructure to clarify the scope of the decision-making process behind the five-week suspension of the Strangford Lough Ferry service, starting Monday, 14th October.
The representatives have submitted formal questions to the Minister, asking why a foot passenger ferry has not been provided for schoolchildren, what additional bus services Translink will offer between Strangford village and Downpatrick, and when the schedule for the foot passenger ferry—confirmed to operate during the suspension—will be published.
Nick Mathison MLA said: “The decision by the Department for Infrastructure to suspend the Strangford Lough Ferry service for five weeks is unacceptable.
“This will severely disrupt the daily commutes of many local residents. The alternative route around the lough is nearly 70 miles, which will increase travel time and costs, impacting workers, hospital patients heading to Downpatrick, and students attending schools in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch.
“While the safety of our quays is important, the Department should have consulted the community to explore alternatives before taking such drastic action.”
Kellie Armstrong MLA added: “In the Assembly, I highlighted how vital this ferry service is to the local community.
“The Department’s website mentions a bus substitution for some school pupils and a reduced timetable for a foot passenger ferry.
“However, more clarity is needed. DfI also advises drivers to use the Newtownards route, but for many, this will be a considerable inconvenience.”
Downpatrick Alliance Councillor Cadogan Enright also expressed further concern saying: “A bus journey around the lough could take students up to 90 minutes each way, adding unnecessary strain to their school day, especially for those preparing for exams.
“If a foot passenger ferry is available, it’s only reasonable to allow students to use it and connect with school buses from Strangford. We are working to ensure the Department provides clear guidance and answers for all regular ferry users.”
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Sinn Féin Waiting On A Response From The DfI
A spokesperson for Sinn Féin said that the party was waiting on a response from the Department of Infrastructure to their questions. They are unable to comment to Down News at the moment.
