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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has to assist in the upgrading of facilities for tourist traffic using the Greencastle-Magilligan Ferry. [196510] Mr. Gardiner: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) itself has no direct plans to assist with the upgrading of facilities for tourist traffic as this is the responsibility of Department of Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service and the local council. NITB does however consider the Greencastle- Magilligan Ferry as an important tourist link between Co. Donegal and Co. Londonderry. Magilligan lies within the area identified in the Ministerial Causeway and Glens Tourism Masterplan 2004-13 which NITB is currently assisting to implement. Two actions have been identified in the associated Action Plan that may have a direct effect on facilities for tourist traffic in the Magilligan area: Upgrade existing and provide new coach parks to allow coach visitors access to key attractive settlements and their services. Gateway towns and villages programme--enhancement programme for gateways e.g. Larne, Bally castle and Magilligan. NITB is also progressing the identification and development of a tourist trail along the A2 coastal route. It is anticipated that the trail will include Magilligan along the route. With regard to road infrastructure improvements, the DRD's Roads Service has advised that planning approval for the ferry was given on the basis that a number of infrastructure improvements were carried out along Point Road, which runs between the Seacoast Road and the ferry terminal. These improvements included the localised widening of the road at a number of locations, and the resurfacing of the road. This work was carried out by the applicant, Limavady borough council. Discussions are currently on-going with Limavady borough council with a view to providing directional/ information signage for the ferry. Signage being considered includes the use of variable message signs on Point Road, which would provide information for ferry passengers, similar to that being used at the Strangford Ferry.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

196510; 426 c669-70W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Ferries Facilities Northern Ireland Repairs and maintenance

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk