Whilst the above map may look crass, it is the general perception of investment throughout Northern Ireland in years gone passed. Following on from the analysis carried out thus far and detailed elewhere, focus here is on the DfE new Sub-Regional Economic Plan (October 2024), I can provide the following comprehensive analysis of how the Strangford Lough Crossing (SLC) initiative could align with and potentially benefit from the plan:
Key Strategic Alignment:
- Regional Balance Priority
The Sub-Regional Economic Plan identifies that “disparities across the region in economic performance have been getting worse.” The data shows Ards & North Down currently ranks:
- 10th out of 11 council areas for labor productivity
- 11th for median wages by place of work
- 8th for employment rate
The SLC initiative could help address these imbalances by:
- Improving connectivity between Ards & North Down and Newry, Mourne & Down council areas
- Reducing journey times to key employment centers and education facilities
- Supporting economic integration of the Ards Peninsula
- Economic Need Evidence
The Heritage Asset Audit (June 2019) and recent survey data (November 2024) demonstrate strong community support and economic rationale:
- 94% of survey respondents indicate current ferry service is not fit for purpose
- Survey highlights impact on access to education, healthcare and employment
- Journey time to Downpatrick area currently 1.5 hours by road vs potential 15-20 minutes with crossing
- Strategic Infrastructure Requirements
The Sub-Regional Economic Plan identifies key barriers including:
- “Transport links, or rather the lack of (particularly west of the Bann)”
- “Investment required in water and sewerage”
- “Slow energy connection provision”
Recommended Approach to Access Support:
- Local Economic Partnership Engagement
- Work with both Ards & North Down and Newry, Mourne & Down councils to ensure SLC is considered within new Local Economic Partnership structures being established October-December 2024
- Position SLC as a strategic cross-council initiative that delivers on key regional balance objectives
- Funding Opportunities
The plan allocates £45m dedicated funding over 3 years for local projects. While this alone would not fund an SLC, it could potentially support:
- Detailed feasibility studies
- Economic impact assessments
- Environmental studies
- Community consultation
- Enhanced Invest NI Regional Role
- Engage with expanded Invest NI regional office network being established by April 2025
- Demonstrate how SLC could support their target of increasing investments outside Belfast Metropolitan Area from 56% to 65%
- Link to potential Foreign Direct Investment opportunities enabled by improved connectivity
- Cross-Border Dimension
Given the Shared Island Unit’s response (August 2024) suggesting engagement with NI Department for Infrastructure, the cross-border aspects could be highlighted through:
- Alignment with plans to “develop North/South corridors”
- Supporting “fully functioning all-island economy”
- Potential to access additional funding streams
Next Steps:
- Immediate (Oct-Dec 2024)
- Engage with both councils during Local Economic Partnership formation period
- Submit evidence to help inform funding allocation model being co-designed
- Short-Term (Jan-Mar 2025)
- Work with partnerships to develop SLC-related project proposals
- Ensure alignment with ministerial priorities of productivity, good jobs, reduced carbon emissions and regional balance
- Medium-Term (Apr 2025 onwards)
- Support implementation of approved projects
- Continue advocacy for larger infrastructure investment
- Maintain engagement with expanded regional structures
The Sub-Regional Economic Plan presents a significant opportunity to advance the SLC agenda through new partnership structures and funding streams. While the £45m fund alone would not deliver the crossing, it could support vital preparatory work and help build the strategic case for larger capital investment.