| Caledonian MacBrayne report on first stage of Islay study | |
| 29 November 2002 Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has met with community representatives on The study, which was formally announced by Caledonian MacBrayne Chairman Harold Mills in May, is being conducted by leading planning and transport specialists Fabermaunsell. All aspects of the The study, undertaken following the approach set out in the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) issued by the Scottish Executive has now identified the main issues, such as capacity constraints which act as a deterrent to travel, and timetabling issues which are of concern to the community. Reliability and pricing structure have also been put under the microscope. A number of options have already been considered including the introduction of a new mainland terminal; extending the operational day to include two later freight-only services; the introduction of a new large (Clansman-type) vessel; a fast ferry and freight ferry a new conventional vessel working in conjunction with another/others; and a combination of some or all of these. The initial option appraisal also included consideration of the possible introduction of a fast (aluminium catamaran-type) ferry service from the mainland to Significant risks are also introduced with the introduction of a fast vessel, these relate principally to concerns over the reliability of a fast ferry service (of prime importance for a lifeline service), difficulties with arrangements for providing effective relief across the CalMac network, and regulatory difficulties imposed on operators of fast ferries. It was also noted that if the fast ferry departed from Kennacraig, existing speed limits would be imposed on the vessel when it was within West Loch Tarbert. On balance, it has been agreed that the fast ferry options are not to be taken forward to the second stage of the appraisal process. Caledonian MacBrayne’s Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “We are pleased to be able to update the community through their representatives on the community councils of progress on the study. The STAG process is extremely rigorous involving as it does thorough analysis of all the options and extensive consultation. Fabermaunsell have met local businesses face to face and conducted telephone interviews; local Councillors and Community Councils have also been consulted. On-board ferry surveys have also been used. We promised that we would leave no stone unturned in our bid to identify the potential to develop the economy of The Fabermaunsell study includes an economic, financial and environmental appraisal of all the options. The timescale for the delivery of plans arising from any proposals in the study will be dependent on funding from the Scottish Executive. Issues such as the environment, safety, integration, the economy and accessibility are all covered in the STAG process and consultation with the local community is a key to its success. Now that stage one of the STAG process has been completed, the consultants are moving on with Stage two which will lead to recommendations being made to the Scottish Executive. Stage two of the process will include further consultation, examining cost benefits (time savings, revenue etc), environmental considerations, improved accessibility and economic/location impact studies. It is expected that the final report will be submitted to the Scottish Executive by early 2003. | |
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