PORT PROPOSALS SHARED WITH COMMUNITIES
Proposals for construction work at the Skye triangle ports of Tarbert (Harris), Uig and Lochmaddy have been shared with local communities in a series of public exhibitions which took place last week.
Around 100 people attended the exhibitions on 4th– 6th September, organised by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) with The Highland Council, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Transport Scotland and CalMac Ferries Ltd.
The events offered local people the chance to find out more about the proposed harbour infrastructure improvement work for the arrival of the new 102-metre LNG ferry being introduced on the Skye triangle route.
Those who attended were also invited to complete a consultation survey to assist in the ongoing planning process. Anyone who is keen to submit their views can complete the survey online at www.cmassets.co.uk/skye-triangle-survey until 29th September. Display boards from the exhibition will be available to view in ticket offices at each port later this week.
A summary of the proposals, which are available online, includes:
- Tarbert upgrades proposed by CMAL: pier reconstruction and extension, new fenders, seabed dredging to improve vessel access, land reclamation to increase the marshalling and parking areas, alterations to the terminal building facilities, new passenger access gangway and improvements to electricity and water supply. Current total estimated cost: £13.69 million.
- Lochmaddy upgrades proposed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: pier upgrade and extension, new fenders, seabed dredging to improve vessel access and land reclamation to increase the marshalling area and parking capacity, new passenger access gangway and improvements to electricity and water supply. Current total estimated cost: £15.28 million.
- Uig upgrades proposed by The Highland Council: widening of existing pier and upgrades, construction of wave screen and repositioning the outer dolphin, new linkspan, widening of existing approachway, new location for the fisherman’s compound, seabed dredging to improve vessel access, gangway and covered walkway, land reclamation to increase the marshalling area and new terminal facilities. Current total estimated cost: £26.5 million.
The public exhibitions and consultation survey allow local communities and other interested parties to comment on proposals at an early stage, before final applications for work at each port are submitted.
Lorna Spencer, Director of Harbours at CMAL said:
“The public exhibitions attracted a good turnout and the format of the event seemed to work well, allowing people to drop-in when convenient. We will take on board the feedback we have received and use it to inform the ongoing planning process.
“No final decisions have been made on what work will be carried out. In addition, the proposals are subject to funding availability.
“Our website will be updated with future developments and it is likely we will hold further public events in future as the project develops.”
Further information, including a copy of the summary proposals, is available on CMAL’s website www.cmassets.co.uk/project/skye-triangle-infrastructure-works
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