By Ryan Sands
NEWRY, Mourne and Down District Council has added its support to the call for a feasibility study into a bridge across Strangford Lough.
Last Monday (13 April), the local authority unanimously agreed to Callum Bowsie’s (DUP, Rowallane) proposal to write to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to request that she secure funding for such a study into the potential for physically linking Strangford and Portaferry.
The notice of motion called on council to recognise “the importance of improving connectivity in east Down and the huge benefits this can bring to the wider district, in terms of boosting the local economy, enhancing tourism and tackling isolation”, and to commit to “supporting more reliable, affordable and sustainable forms of travel for residents and visitors within our district”.
It also asked for support for “a fixed crossing between Strangford and Portaferry”, which “may also alleviate increasing congestion in parts of Rowallane and Downpatrick DEAs, as well as in the Ards District”.
Terry Andrews (SDLP, Rowallane) welcomed the proposal and said that his party would be supporting its “overall aims and aspirations”.
He added that “the vision of the proposed bridge over the Narrows has been around for many years”, before highlighting the progress being made on a long-awaited bridge elsewhere in the district.
“Despite the hiccups along the way, we are now on the home straight for the Narrow Water Bridge,” he stated.
“This is being delivered, and, with the right cocktail of funding, this could happen too across the Narrows between Strangford and Portaferry.”
Council chair and Downpatrick councillor Philip Campbell confirmed that Sinn Féin was, in principle, “supportive of the motion”, though acknowledged “financial constraints within the Department for Infrastructure”.
Helena Young (Alliance, Slieve Croob) said that her party was happy to support the proposal and would like to see any study give consideration to the possibility of road upgrades on both sides of Strangford Lough and the viability of a more sustainable ferry, as well as to the lough’s designation as an area of special scientific interest and a special area of conservation.
David Taylor (UUP, Slieve Gullion) outlined his support for the motion, and stressed that, whilst identifying the necessary finance would be an issue, a feasibility study could “identify the various issues that there may be or not be in respect of such a proposal”.
Bringing the discussion to a close, Cllr Bowsie thanked the chamber for their support.
“I give credit to Michelle McIlveen, our deputy leader, who launched this campaign three months ago, along with our Ards DUP councillors who brought the motion to their council in February, which was fully supported,” he said.
“It is great that we have the support of both councils on either side of the lough for a study into a bridge.
“It is fantastic that we are only three months in and already this DUP campaign has the support of the Sinn Féin MP for South Down.
“It is incredible to think that he made his announcement only four days after I submitted my motion, so what a coincidence.
“If any of you are speaking to Mr Hazzard, do pass on my warmest appreciation to him for his backing.”
In a statement released last Wednesday, Mr Hazzard welcomed the council’s support for a feasibility study and stated that he previously contacted Ms Kimmins to ask that she “consider commissioning a comprehensive study into a bridge connecting the villages of Portaferry and Strangford”.
“A fixed link would act as a catalyst for regional rebalancing, unlocking significant investment and providing the southern peninsula with the reliable connectivity required for modern commerce and emergency services,” the MP said.
“It is clear there is a strong desire to see an evidence-based approach to our regional infrastructure.
“This project offers a unique opportunity to enhance climate resilience and integrate green technology.
“A study could explore the structural feasibility of harnessing the powerful tidal currents of the Narrows for renewable energy while incorporating active travel lanes for cycling.
“An evidence-based study is the only way to determine how modern engineering can complement this sensitive environment while meeting our statutory net zero obligations.
“I look forward to meeting with the minister in the coming weeks to discuss how we can drive this project forward.”
