DOWNPATRICK SDLP Councillor Gareth Sharvin has spoken out at the reviews taking place around the Strangford Ferry services.
He said: “It was announced last week that the Strangford Ferry has been operating at a loss around £4m over the past three financial years. The reviews taking place are into various aspects of the management and operation of the ferry service located in Strangford.
“At Stormont, the Committee for Regional Development have requested a report to summarise the findings of these various reviews of the ferry service.
“This report may be looking at the potential for efficiency savings, the future of the MV Strangford and the level of service provided.
“What this Committee must remember is, how important a service the Strangford ferry provides. The service is not a luxury for the people travelling from either side of the Strangford Lough, but it is a necessity for transport from to and from the Ards Peninsula. 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 to the critical evaluation of the recommendations included.”
