17th January 2025 – Meeting secured with Jim Shannon MP to discuss SLC

On reaching out to all local politicians, have kindly secured a meeting with Jim Shannon MP to discuss the Strangford Lough Crossing (SLC) at the end of January 2025. To help frame our discussion, I’ve compiled key evidence-based points about the current situation and some strategic questions for Mr Shannon’s consideration:

Key Evidence:

  1. Service Performance vs Community Need:
  • While DfI reports 96.69% service availability for 2023/24 (per DfI Response via your office, January 2025), this metric doesn’t address fundamental access issues identified in the “Strangford Lough Crossing Comments Summary” document, particularly:
  • No service between 22:30-07:45 daily
  • Limited capacity during peak times
  • Weather-dependent reliability
  1. Demographics and Growth:
  • Population has increased 4.5% to 163,659 residents (Ards and North Down Census Data 2021 v 2011)
  • 458 survey respondents highlighted critical access issues for:
    — Healthcare (particularly emergency services)
    — Education
    — Employment
    — Tourism potential
    (Per Strangford Lough Crossing Comments Summary)
  1. Economic Impact:
  • The Peninsula DEA has seen decreased educational achievement, with only 42.6% of FSM-entitled students achieving 5+ GCSEs A*-C including English and Maths vs 81.9% non-FSM students (Youth Service Local Assessment of Need 2023)
  • Business development potential demonstrated by £518m total sales from InvestNI supported businesses (InvestNI Performance Council Area Report 2024)

Key Questions for Discussion:

  1. Historical Context:
  • What insights can you share about previous discussions regarding a fixed crossing dating back to the 1960s?
  • What has been your experience with constituents’ concerns about the ferry service during your time as MP?
  1. Strategic Considerations:
  • Given successful delivery of projects like Narrow Water Bridge, what lessons could be applied here?
  • How might environmental concerns be balanced against community needs?
  • What role could the Shared Island Fund potentially play?
  1. Political Leadership:
  • How can cross-party support be built for at least examining the feasibility of an alternative crossing?
  • What would be required to initiate a formal feasibility study?

I appreciate there are complex considerations involved, but I believe the evidence supports at least exploring options for the future of this vital connection.

I look forward to our discussion on the 31st.

Following this meeting, hopefully provide update here.