AQW 30682/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/03/2022
Answered On Date: 24/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the Strangford Ferry was pulled out of operation at short notice on 4 March 2022.

Answer:

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved Safety Management System for the Strangford Ferry requires a minimum crew of four to be on board to sail. On Friday 4 March 2022 at approximately 7.30pm, a situation arose where there were insufficient crew members available for the next scheduled sailing so the ferry had to be taken out of service. Normal service resumed on Saturday morning, 5 March.

Managing essential services during the pandemic continues to present challenges, however please be assured that the whole ferry team are working hard to keep this important transport link operational.