Stena seeking approval for new Scottish ferry terminal

It is expected that first-phase construction plans for a new multi-million pound ferry terminal on Scotland’s south-west coast will be approved this week.

Stena Line has filed application with the Dumfries and Galloway Council to begin preparatory work necessary prior to the building of a new terminal near Cairnryan.

The company plans to move its Irish Sea operation from where it is currently located in Stranraer to Old House Point. In its proposal, Stena has indicated that the relocation of the terminal would cut the time it takes to reach Belfast.

Stena is seeking the council’s go-ahead to commence the excavation and in-filling necessary before construction can begin. It would also be widening the entrance to the site and improving the access road.

The application has been recommended for approval by local planning officials, and will be considered by the Wigtown areas committee of the Dumfries and Galloway Council’s later this week.

Earlier plans had called for the terminal to be moved five miles along the coast to the P&O Ferries location. When the company determined the costs would be prohibitive, the plans were abandoned in 2007.

A spokesman for Stena confirmed that the company was proceeding with the planning application. “Essentially, this application is for the ground works. Work on an environmental impact study for the area is also being carried out.” He added that if all goes according to plan the terminal should be in operation by autumn 2010.

Thanks to news.scotsman.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

www.stenaline.co.uk