Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a number of infrastructure improvements to take place at Strangford Harbour at a cost of £650,000.
The improvements will happen in advance of the delivery of the new Strangford Lough Ferry Service vehicle ferry in Autumn 2016.
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The new Strangford ferry is gradually moving forward with an announcement of £650,000 for harbour infrastructure improvements.[/caption]
Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Gareth Sharvin said: “This news is greatly welcomed. The work will compliment the large investment of £5.7 million being delivered in the new Strangford Ferry planned for delivery Summer 2016. This is a total investment into the Strangford area of over £6 million.”
“It has been been a long process to get to where we are today and the planning consultation process will ensure residents have their input into how the Strangford Ferry harbour delivers for customers and residents.”
Minister Kennedy said: “These improvements include upgrading the current off-shore moorings to accommodate the new vessel and re-grading of the underwater section of the Strangford slipway.”
Construction work to re-grade the Strangford slipway is scheduled to commence in late Autumn 2015 and is due to be complete in six to eight weeks. Installation of the new moorings is currently scheduled to commence in early 2016 and is due to be complete in four weeks.
To facilitate the operation of the ferry service during the construction works, the contractor will be required to propose temporary infrastructure. Whilst, there may be some temporary reduction in the level of the ferry service during the construction works, every effort will be made to minimise any disruption to local residents, harbour users and ferry passengers.
The next stage of the project will be to submit the necessary planning applications for the works. The planning consultation process will enable key stakeholders to put forward their views on the proposals. To keep stakeholders informed, plans of the proposals will be displayed at the Strangford Ferry Terminal.
In advance of the construction work, there may be a need to undertake some site investigation in the Strangford harbour area over the coming weeks to establish underwater ground conditions.
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