The NI/UK Five Case Model business case process, where the strategic need, broad options, and initial value-for-money case are set out From a layperson view, the Northern Ireland Executive usually treats a requested scheme as a proposal to be tested, not a promise to be built. In the context of SLC www.strangfordloughcrossing.org, SOC stands for Strategic Outline Case.It […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
Have been asked to create images of SLC to indicate where located and preferably, a day and night image. Day time view of SLC at The Narrows, from centre of Portaferry Night time view of SLC at The Narrows, from centre of Portaferry
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]