Strangford Lough Crossing: Building the Case for Strategic Infrastructure

A Comprehensive Analysis of Need, Viability, and Best Practice Delivery

December 2024
Kevin Barry BSc(Hons) MRICS

Executive Summary

The Strangford Lough Crossing (SLC) represents one of Northern Ireland’s most significant unrealised infrastructure opportunities. A permanent crossing between Portaferry and Strangford would:

• Replace a ferry service operating at only 34% capacity with 650 daily crossings
• Reduce journey times from 75km/1.5 hours to 8 minutes (92% reduction)
• Cost £280-350 million for Phase 1 implementation—substantially below DfI’s inflated £650 million estimate
• Generate economic benefits through development unlocking, productivity gains, and tourism growth
• Align with UK Government, NI Executive, and Irish Government strategic priorities
• Deliver immediate value while enabling phased infrastructure enhancement over 10-12 years

This analysis examines the evidence base for SLC, applies lessons from the London Assembly’s November 2025 “Euston we have a problem: Mind the funding gap” report, and presents a realistic phased delivery approach based on international best practice.