Based on a careful review of the TOF response letters (TOF-1389-2024 and TOF-1506-2024), several key statements were made without supporting evidence or detailed justification:
- Cost Estimation for Bridge Project
“…such a project would require significant capital investment and there are very specific environmental constraints as Strangford Lough is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.”
While the environmental designations are factual, no evidence is provided about:
- The actual estimated capital costs
- The specific environmental constraints and their impact
- Any detailed feasibility assessment
- Comparative Bridge Cost Example
“For comparison the Narrow Water Bridge has a span of 195m and a tender price of €102m (£87m).”
While providing a specific example, this comparison:
- Doesn’t account for different site conditions
- Doesn’t provide evidence why this is an appropriate comparison
- Doesn’t explain how this relates to potential Strangford crossing costs
- Claims About Economic Benefits
“…it would be very difficult to demonstrate the value for money of this as a transportation proposal”
No evidence is provided regarding:
- Any cost-benefit analysis
- Economic impact assessments
- Regional development benefits
- Wider economic benefits
- Ferry Service Performance Statistics
While specific statistics are provided for 2023-24 (e.g., “22,000 scheduled sailings”), no evidence is presented about:
- Long-term performance trends
- Comparative service reliability metrics
- User satisfaction data
- Economic impact of service disruptions
- Claims About Funding and Resources
“Taking forward a feasibility study is not considered a good use of public funding particularly during a time when the Department is facing significant funding and resource challenges.”
No evidence is provided about:
- Actual costs of feasibility studies
- Department’s current resource allocation
- Alternative funding options
- Opportunity costs
This analysis is supported by new evidence from the Cost Drivers report (NIC-Costs-Report-Final-Oct-2024) which emphasizes the importance of early project assessment and clear strategic direction. The report notes that “Government has not been able to identify, with a single voice, what the most important infrastructure projects are to achieve its goals and then to ensure it is collectively working to deliver them on time and to budget.”
The DfI responses appear to exemplify what the NIC report describes as “a lack of clear strategic direction” and highlight systemic issues in infrastructure planning and assessment in Northern Ireland.