19 Apr 2026

What Would a Proper Business Case for the Strangford Lough Crossing Actually Show? There is a question that keeps being asked in response to this campaign, often by people who mean well. It goes something like this: “But surely the numbers just do not stack up for a bridge over Strangford Lough?” It is a […]

19 Apr 2026

Where www.strangfordloughcrossing.org Stands in the Formal NI Infrastructure Appraisal Process If Northern Ireland part of the UK, there is a need for strategic infrastructure since the GFA. Ordinary people have seen no such investment to date. The DoF Better Business Cases NI Five Case Model follows a defined sequential gateway process. Each stage requires ministerial […]

16 Apr 2026

“Evidence is not ‘Nonsense’ A comment appeared online this week dismissing the suggestion that young families are leaving the Ards Peninsula because of the cost and inconvenience of the ferry, and that falling school enrolments are a consequence. The word used was: “Nonsense.” I said I would prove it. Here is the proof. Every figure […]

14 Apr 2026

Ards Peninsula: The Cost of Standing Still (2026–2036) Why this is no longer just a transport issue — but an economic and school survival issue Executive summary (read this first) Over the next 10 years, doing nothing on connectivity will cost the Ards Peninsula £1.0bn–£2.15bn — and could trigger the loss or weakening of up […]

14 Apr 2026

STRANGFORD LOUGH CROSSING CAMPAIGN Campaign Update — 14 April 2026 Kevin Barry BSc(Hons) MRICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Portaferry www.strangfordloughcrossing.org | mail@kevinbarryqs.com THE BI-COUNCIL MANDATE IS NOW COMPLETE Both councils have spoken. The ball is firmly in the Minister’s court. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has now passed a formal resolution calling for an independent […]

13 Apr 2026

Northern Ireland’s Productivity Gap: Why Connectivity Projects Matter for Ministers and MLAs Northern Ireland has a productivity problem – and it is the Executive’s problem to solve. For more than two decades, key measures of output per hour worked have sat consistently below the UK average, meaning that every hour worked here generates less real […]

10 Apr 2026

Strangford Lough Low Carbon Corridor Why the case comes first on climate and resilience For decades, the idea of a fixed crossing over Strangford Lough has remained a long-running proposal rather than a delivered project. That position is no longer sustainable. With storm damage on the A20, mounting climate pressure and legally binding net-zero duties, […]

09 Apr 2026

Subject: Newry, Mourne & Down District Councillors – Strangford Lough Crossing – Seeking Your Support Ahead of Upcoming Debate (Direct email sent to each and every Newry Councillor) Dear Councillor, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing ahead of the upcoming debate on the proposed Strangford Lough Crossing (SLC) to respectfully seek […]

08 Apr 2026

Narrow Water Bridge: a major cross-border link taking shape The Narrow Water Bridge is one of the most significant infrastructure projects under construction on the island of Ireland. It will link Omeath in County Louth with Warrenpoint in County Down across Carlingford Lough, creating a new road, walking and cycling connection that is also expected […]