Response to Good Morning Ulster Interview – Ferry User Concerns

Empathetic Response to Regular Ferry User

The frustration expressed by the regular ferry user this morning is completely understandable. For families using the Strangford-Portaferry ferry service for essential journeys—school runs, family visits, and community activities like GAA coaching—these cumulative fare increases represent a significant and unwelcome burden on household budgets.

The ferry is not simply a transport service but an essential link that enables ordinary families to access education, maintain family connections, and participate in community life on both sides of Strangford Lough. When fares increase substantially over a relatively short period, this directly impacts family finances and can force difficult decisions about which journeys are truly essential.

These concerns are entirely legitimate, and they reflect a broader issue about the sustainability and affordability of this critical transport link.

Correction of “Lifeline Route” Assertion

However, Councillor Joe Boyle’s assertion during the Good Morning Ulster interview that the Strangford-Portaferry ferry is a “lifeline route” must be respectfully corrected. This is factually incorrect according to official Department for Infrastructure (DfI) classification.

The Facts:

• The Strangford-Portaferry ferry is NOT officially designated as a lifeline route by DfI
• This is confirmed in multiple DfI documents and correspondence obtained through Freedom of Information requests
• The Rathlin Island Ferry IS designated as a lifeline service, but the Strangford-Portaferry ferry is not

This distinction is important because lifeline routes receive different policy treatment, funding considerations, and service obligations. Misrepresenting the ferry’s status undermines accurate public discourse and potentially misdirects policy responses.

Impact of Fare Increases

Councillor Boyle stated during the interview that fares have increased by 40% over the past 15-18 months, following years of frozen fares. For a family journey involving a driver, passenger, and two children making regular crossings for school, family visits, and community activities, this 40% increase represents a substantial additional cost burden.

For families making multiple crossings per week, this cumulative impact becomes increasingly significant and places genuine pressure on household budgets during a period of broader cost-of-living challenges.

Positive Development: Councillor Boyle’s Request for Feasibility Study

Following the Good Morning Ulster interview, Councillor Boyle has confirmed, to me, that he has written to Minister Liz Kimmins requesting a feasibility study into a permanent crossing, alongside addressing other ongoing ferry service issues.

As far as I am aware, this is the first time Councillor Boyle has indicated that he has formally requested a feasibility study from any Minister.

This development is genuinely welcome and represents constructive progress. However, it raises an important question: Why was this request not mentioned during the Good Morning Ulster interview?

The radio interview provided a valuable public platform to:

• Highlight that such a request had been made
• Build public awareness and support
• Apply constructive pressure on the Minister to respond positively
• Demonstrate cross-party momentum for the feasibility study
• Reference www.strangfordloughcrossing.org and the broader campaign

This was a missed opportunity for public advocacy at a critical time.

The Importance of Public Statements

Private correspondence with Ministers is valuable, but public statements create accountability and demonstrate genuine commitment to constituents.

Councillor Boyle should be encouraged to consider making his own public statement regarding his request to Minister Kimmins. Constituents deserve to know local feelings.

Transparency and public accountability will deliver results.

Call to Action Ahead of May 2027 Elections

With local elections scheduled for May 2027, there is now a critical window for constituents to demand clear commitments from all candidates regarding infrastructure investment.

What Residents Should Ask Every Candidate:

1. Will you commit to requesting an independent feasibility study into a permanent Strangford Lough crossing?
2. Will you actively lobby the Infrastructure Minister to commission this study within the 2027-2032 Assembly mandate?
3. Will you support exploring funding opportunities through:
   • Ireland’s Shared Island Fund (€2 billion through 2035)
   • UK Government strategic infrastructure designation
   • Cross-border cooperation frameworks
4. What is your position on the current DfI refusal to even evaluate this option?
5. Will you make your advocacy public and hold the Minister accountable for responses?

Residents deserve specific, on-the-record commitments—not vague promises of “looking into it.”

Growing Cross-Party Momentum

Councillor Boyle’s request to Minister Kimmins joins a growing cross-party consensus supporting a feasibility study, including:

• Michelle McIlveen MLA (DUP) – former Infrastructure Minister actively championing the project
• Jim Shannon MP (DUP)
• Chris Hazzard MP (Sinn Féin)
• Alliance Party representatives, but with concerns
• SDLP representatives

The campaign has also achieved 94% community support in the Strangford Lough Crossing Campaign survey.

The precedent of the Narrow Water Bridge (currently under construction) demonstrates that cross-border infrastructure investment is achievable when political will exists.

Conclusion

The concerns raised by the ferry user during the Good Morning Ulster interview are entirely valid and deserve serious attention. Councillor Boyle’s confirmation that he has requested a feasibility study from Minister Kimmins is a positive and constructive step that should be acknowledged.

However, focusing solely on fare increases addresses the symptom rather than the underlying problem. After 60+ years of ferry dependency, it is time for political representatives to show genuine leadership through both private advocacy and public accountability.

The May 2027 elections provide the opportunity for residents to make this a defining electoral issue. Every candidate should be required to state their position clearly and publicly.

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For more information: www.strangfordloughcrossing.org