THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW:
STRANGFORD LOUGH CROSSING
“Connecting Communities, Building Futures”
THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR
Based on official data from the Department for Infrastructure, the existing Strangford ferry service has the following official statistics:
- 96.69% reliability sounds impressive until you realize:
- 108 sailings cancelled due to fog
- 550 sailings lost to industrial action
- 158 sailings cancelled for mechanical issues
- 32 sailings cancelled due to staff shortages
- Endured a 5 weeks complete closure for “essential maintenance”
- The Financial Reality:
- Operating costs: £3.52 million (2023/24)
- Income: £1.43 million (2023/24)
- Cost recovery: Just 41%
- Taxpayers subsidizing an outdated, unreliable service
THE HUMAN COST
From our 2024 community survey:
- Emergency services blocked from direct hospital access outside ferry hours
- Students missing school due to service disruptions
- Workers facing 3-hour round trip detours when service fails
- Businesses losing vital trade and investment opportunities
- Communities divided by artificial barriers to movement
THE SOLUTION EXISTS
Modern engineering can deliver:
- 24/7 reliable crossing
- Emergency service access
- Environmental improvements over current ferry emissions
- Economic growth catalyst for entire region
- Proven success in similar locations worldwide
THE OBSTACLES ARE POLITICAL, NOT PRACTICAL
- No technical barriers prevent construction
- Similar crossings successfully operate worldwide
- Environmental protections can be incorporated
- Economic benefits clearly documented
- Public support demonstrated
- Only political will lacking
TAKE ACTION NOW
- Contact your local representatives
- Share your crossing story
- Join the campaign, speak up !
- Support our social media
THE COST OF INACTION
Every day without action means:
- Lives potentially at risk
- Economic opportunities lost
- Communities divided
- Environment damaged by outdated ferry
- Public money wasted
Follow: [www.strangfordloughcrossing.org]
“The question is not whether we can afford to build it – but whether we can afford not to”
[Based on verified data from Department for Infrastructure, community surveys, and official records 2023-24]