Ferry firms back A77 road upgrades
A coalition of ferry and harbour operators has welcomed news that improvements to the A77 road through Ayrshire remain part of the Scottish Government’s plans.
Stena Line, P&O Ferries and Belfast Harbour spoke after Scotland’s Transport Minister, Graeme Dey MSP, confirmed that changes to the key arterial route is ‘in the mix’for investment.
And the alliance says it looks forward to hearing more about the plan when the recommendations of a key transport review are announced later this year.
The positive comments from Mr Dey came at the culmination of a series of questions in the Scottish Parliament about transport investment.
Mr Dey confirmed that there would be ‘changes’to the A77, which links Ayrshire to the ferry destinations, as well as the A75, which links Stranraer and its ferry ports at Cairnryan.
Mr Dey also said the routes were subject of “detailed consideration.”
In a joint statement, Paul Grant, Trade Director, Irish Sea at Stena Line, P&O Ferries
Cairnryan Port Manager Craig Rennie and Belfast Harbour Port Director, Michael Robinson, said:“The Transport Minister’s comments are welcome, signalling that much-needed investment remains under serious consideration.
“We know from our discussions with the Scottish Government that the importance of transport issues in South West Scotland is recognised at a high level, and we are keen to continue working with ministers and politicians from all parties in order to constructively make the case for improvements to the A75 and A77.”