‘This isn’t a new idea, or a new motion, in fact it has been campaigned for in the Ards Peninsula since the 1950s’
A call has been made by Ards and North Down councillors for a “feasibility study” into the construction of a bridge from Portaferry to Strangford.
During a meeting of a committee at Ards and North Down Borough Council, a DUP motion calling for a feasibility study into finally realising the dream of a bridge across the pinch point of Strangfor Lough, was passed by the chamber.
The motion states: “The council recognises the huge benefits, to the Ards Peninsula and wider borough, of greater connectivity in terms of tackling isolation, boosting local business and enhancing tourism.
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“Furthermore, the council is concerned about the increased traffic travelling along Ards Peninsula roads, which would be better served by a fixed crossing between Portaferry and Strangford village. (This) may help in addressing congestion in other parts of the borough and assist in improving road safety in roads within the peninsula.”
The committee agreed to write to the Stormont Minister Department for Infrastructure, Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins, to request that she “prioritises funding for a feasibility study” into a bridge across Strangford Lough from Portaferry to Strangford village.
Minister Kimmins has previously said there could be a feasibility study into the project “if there was political will.” The committee decision will go to the full council meeting later this month for ratification, where it is expected to pass.
Alderman Robert Adair, who proposed the motion, said at the meeting there was “overwhelming support” for the bridge in the local areas.
He said: “This isn’t a new idea, or a new motion, in fact it has been campaigned for in the Ards Peninsula since the 1950’s.”
He said: “The Ards Peninsula is one of the most socially cut-off areas in Northern Ireland. A lot of services that people take for granted, we are cut-off from, and we have a long journey.
“We want to boost business, we want to boost tourism, and we want to enhance connectivity. What facilities people in Newtownards and Bangor have access to, we want access to also.
“Hospital waiting times, ambulance waiting times, could all be enhanced through a fixed crossing between Portaferry and Strangford. It would also open business opportunities and business growth.
“Our main link to Belfast is the Portaferry Road, which is not a safe road, and there are a lot of congestion issues with it. You only have to travel along it any morning to see it is not working.”
He referred to the new Narrow Water Bridge, which will increase connectivity between Northern Ireland and the Republic, saying “If they can do it why can’t we?”
Alliance Councillor Patricia Morgan said at the meeting: “I have no particular problem with the council writing to the Minister, but I don’t think it will take her very long to reply, and I think we already know the answer.
“A significant cost has been suggested. I think the figure is in and around £300 million, but I don’t know what date that was (made) and presumably it will move with inflation, and potentially more.
“When we look at the likes of the Narrow Water we see that not all such things remain a pipe dream if there is good support and a strong economic case for it, then why not?”
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