Below is analysis of tourism impacts from a potential bridge:
Current Tourism Context:
From the community survey and consultations:
- Ferry service itself acts as a tourist attraction
- However, current service restricts tourism due to:
- Limited evening operations affecting restaurant/hospitality trade
- Long queues during peak tourist periods
- Weather-related cancellations during tourist season
- Capacity constraints leading to delays
Mixed Views from Stakeholders:
The 2013 Strangford Strategic Review notes:
“9. Tourism considerations
- Mixed views on how an alternative crossing would affect tourism
- Some believe it would boost tourism, others worry it might negatively impact the area’s charm”
Evidence from Similar Projects:
The Cleddau Bridge case study (from Hansard records) shows:
- Initial concerns about tourism impact were not realized
- Bridge enhanced tourism by improving accessibility
- Original ferry was maintained as heritage attraction initially but demand shifted to bridge
- Area maintained its character while gaining economic benefits
The Isle of Skye Bridge is specifically referenced in public comments as having “done wonders” for tourism in that area.
Key Potential Benefits:
- Enhanced Tourism Access:
- 24/7 crossing availability
- Reliable crossing in all weather conditions
- No queueing constraints
- Improved evening access to restaurants/hospitality
- Better connectivity to wider tourism network
- New Tourism Opportunities:
- Bridge itself could become iconic attraction (like Narrow Water Bridge & Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge)
- Potential for bridge walkway/cycleway as tourism feature
- Improved cruise ship passenger access to both sides
- Greater tour bus route options
- Enhanced marine tourism with maintained navigation clearance
- Economic Growth Benefits:
- Increased accommodation options for tourists
- More viable evening economy
- Expanded day trip possibilities
- Better access to heritage sites both sides
- Growth in tourism-related businesses
Mitigation Measures Available:
- Architecture designed to complement landscape (confirmed in design documents)
- Environmental protections maintained through:
- Navigation channel preserved
- Minimal river bed impact
- Reduced emissions vs ferry
- Heritage value could be maintained through:
- Interpretive center
- Heritage boat trips
- Historic ferry display
Recommendation:
Rather than threatening tourism, evidence suggests a well-designed bridge would likely enhance tourism opportunities while addressing current constraints. The key is ensuring:
- High quality architectural design
- Strong environmental protections
- Development of new tourism offerings
- Marketing of enhanced accessibility
- Support for local tourism businesses during transition
The experience of comparable projects indicates tourism concerns, while valid, can be effectively managed and often result in enhanced rather than diminished tourism outcomes when properly planned.