“Minister, will you commit to commission a time-limited, proportionate feasibility and options appraisal (the “Study”) for the Strangford Lough crossing, explicitly without presumption of construction and with a retained “ferry solution” option?”
TITLE: Strangford Lough Crossing – Commissioning a Proportionate Feasibility and Options Appraisal
ISSUE
The Portaferry–Strangford crossing is a single-point transport dependency for the Ards Peninsula. There is recurring political and community interest in testing whether a permanent fixed link could offer improved long-term resilience and value for money compared with continued ferry reliance.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Minister agrees to commission a time-limited, proportionate feasibility and options appraisal (the “Study”) for the Strangford Lough crossing, explicitly without presumption of construction and with a retained “ferry solution” option.
BACKGROUND
Historic parliamentary consideration has periodically referenced a fixed link, but there is no current feasibility study in progress. The absence of a structured, evidence-based options appraisal constrains the Department’s ability to provide robust advice on long-term service resilience and whole-life costs.
“No one is suggesting the ferry should close. The youth are voting with their feet. But because the crossing isn’t a protected lifeline route, the possibility of prolonged suspension exists as risk profile rises. Good government plans for that risk instead of pretending it doesn’t exist.”
Latest news update (Friday 24h January 2026):
After last page/blog post (which was password protected due to sensitive nature of content, a reply was provided by DfI, following referral by NIO). The response was predictable and underwhelming ! Forwarded to NIO and other interested parties. {click on text for narrative covering letter; Director name withheld for now !}
Jump to last page/blog post generally (topical issue related to SLC)
Bridge to Tomorrow
(Click on image below for campaign music video)
“Even the Golden Gate Bridge was fought at every turn — too costly, too risky, too ambitious… until the day it opened, and everyone asked why it hadn’t been built sooner.”
A reminder that progress always meets resistance.
Update: Narrow Water Bridge – click on image above for new website (19min, 18km diversion shall be eliminated; Strangford lough diversion is 90min, 75km by contrast)
Connecting communities. Building a united and balanced Northern Ireland
SLC (Strangford Lough Crossing) is a proposed transformative infrastructure project that would create a sustainable, multi-modal bridge connection across Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland, linking the Ards Peninsula with ‘the mainland’ as locally referred to, and completing the A2 coastal route. The principle aim is to improve lives, with more preventative healthcare and reduced poverty by giving everyone their dignity and opportuntity to work, play and improve their own lives and that of their families and the communities with which they interact, and where the governments have less of a dire supporting role, except for those in justifed need.
The vision encompasses not just vehicular transportation but also dedicated active travel lanes for cycling and walking, renewable energy integration, and marina facilities, designed to address regional economic imbalance (particularly the Ards Peninsula’s lowest median wages in Northern Ireland), reduce the current 75km detour, provide 24/7 reliable access to services and emergency care, and support climate change goals while minimizing environmental impact on the sensitive marine environment. This project represents an integrated approach to infrastructure that simultaneously serves economic development, social connectivity, environmental sustainability, and resilience objectives for a united and balanced Northern Ireland.
“DfI operates the Strangford Ferry with departmental budget and ministerial accountability, proving they recognize this connection has strategic-level importance”
Download the SLC flyer below and share widely. The numbers are important.
Strangford Lough Crossing: Sustainable Connectivity for a Balanced Future
A Multi-Modal Vision Aligned with Northern Ireland’s Strategic Priorities
The Strangford Lough Crossing proposal represents a transformative opportunity to create a sustainable, future-focused connection between communities while supporting Northern Ireland’s strategic infrastructure priorities.
Supporting Active Travel Networks
Our vision extends beyond a traditional bridge to create a true sustainable transport corridor:
- Dedicated active travel lanes connecting the networks identified in the Department for Infrastructure’s Active Travel Delivery Plan
- Creation of the region’s most scenic cycling and walking route, encouraging tourism and healthy lifestyles
- Linking the active travel networks of Ards & North Down with Newry, Mourne & Down, currently divided by the Lough
- Avail of the rich maritime facilities including the marina, capable of all round use and key contribution to the local economy if included in the overall concept.
Advancing Climate and Environmental Goals
The crossing will serve as a model for environmentally responsible infrastructure:
- Reduced emissions by eliminating the current 75km detour and ferry operations
- Integration of renewable energy generation within the structure
- State-of-the-art design minimizing impact on the sensitive marine environment
- Enhanced public transport connectivity reducing car dependency
Addressing Regional Imbalance
The crossing directly supports the Department for Economy’s Sub-Regional Economic Plan (October 2024) objectives:
- Connecting the Ards Peninsula, which currently has the lowest median wages in Northern Ireland (£450.10 weekly)
- Providing 24/7 reliable access to services, education, and employment opportunities
- Supporting the aging population with improved emergency services and healthcare access
- Enabling sustainable economic development in underserved areas
Building Resilience
The project strengthens Northern Ireland’s infrastructure resilience:
- Creating transportation network redundancy through an alternative to the weather-dependent ferry
- Supporting emergency services with consistent, reliable access
- Establishing a critical link that facilitates public service delivery regardless of conditions
The Strangford Lough Crossing represents more than connectivity—it embodies the integrated, place-based approach advocated by the Pivotal Public Policy Forum, where infrastructure serves multiple strategic objectives simultaneously. This is an opportunity to demonstrate how Northern Ireland can develop infrastructure that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities for generations to come.
Join us in supporting this vision for a more connected, sustainable, united and balanced Northern Ireland.