AQW 30682/17-22 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the Strangford Ferry was pulled out of operation at short notice on 4 March 2022.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 8 March 2022
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 8 March 2022
- Answer due by
- 24 March 2022
- Answered
- 24 March 202216 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
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.