New £5.7m Strangford Ferry Vessel Remains Tied Up

A new £5.7million Strangford Ferry vessel remains tied up as the ramps will not allow cars to drive off it.

The vessel arrived in Strangford, Co Down, in the summer, however the ramps will have to be altered before it can be used.

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie slammed the Department for Infrastructure and said she will be writing to the Minister for rectification works to be carried out immediately.

She said: "This is totally unacceptable and inexplicable considering the efforts that were invested several years ago by the then Department of Regional Development in terms of the design specifications that were given to Cammell Laird shipyard in Liverpool. I have endless pieces of correspondence from previous Ministers over the last five years telling me the intricate nature of the design and testing work that would be required before the vessel could be commissioned in Strangford. What went wrong?

"The Minister for Infrastructure along with his senior officials must now supply to the public not only an explanation but also a timeframe when rectification measures will be put in place to enable the ferry vessel to be commissioned. The Minister must also spell out what this repair and rectification work will cost the taxpayer and where the money will be provided from out of the public purse. What is also a matter of concern is that it has been alleged that the Department spent £750,000 re-designing the new ramp over the summer period. Why then doesn't it work and what action will now be taken to rectify the matter?

"The Ferry service has served our community for many years and any impediments that are put in its way simply serve to undermine that essential economic link. Another matter of grave concern is that there is currently only one ferry vessel in operation – the MV Portaferry and if it hits maintenance difficulties or is unable to operate then communication/travel links between both villages are fractured."

A statement from the Department of Infrastructure said: "While the Department regrets the delay to the new service, health and safety issues must always take priority. The MV Strangford II will enter service as soon as a Passenger Certificate has been issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. We expect this to be early in the New Year.

"Until then, the current ferry remains fully operational continuing to service the local community, sailing every 15 minutes during timetabled hours. There is also a backup vessel available if required."

(CD)