Brian Whittle MSP has joined forces with colleagues representing constituencies along the A77 to call on the Scottish Government to develop a programme for major upgrades and improvements to the road between Ayr & the Cairnryan ferry terminal.
The move follows the closure of the A77 for 24 hours on 21st October due to severe flooding. MSP Brian highlighted the serious impact this closure had on local and ferry traffic during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood. Challenging the First Minister to dual the A77 and the neighbouring A75, which runs through Dumfries & Galloway, Mr Whittle quoted a statement from Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director (Irish Sea North) who said “It’s quite clear from this and other incidents that the current A77 and A75 don’t reflect the requirements fitting of a major UK – Ireland travel and freight hub so I’m afraid that major disruptions and loss of trade could be a feature of life in the region until those responsible commit the necessary resources to alleviate these recurring problems.”
The South Scotland MSP has been working closely with the A77 Action Group and Dual the A75 campaign to highlight the need for investment in South West Scotland’s road infrastructure along with fellow MSPs John Scott and Finlay Carson.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This statement from a senior figure in Stena Line makes it clear that they have serious concerns about the condition and suitability of the A77 which, along with the A75, carries the majority of traffic to and from the ferry terminal.
It’s clear to me that if the Scottish Government continue to neglect the A77 and don’t fund an ambitious programme of improvements, particularly making more of the route dual carriageway, then there’s a real issue about the ability of the ferry services to grow and develop in the future. It’s time for the Scottish Government to get serious about delivering a safer, sustainable trunk road network in South Scotland.”
Ayr MSP John Scott said:
“For both economic and social reasons, upgrading the A77 south of Ayr should be a top priority and the programme of improvements being called for by the A77 Action Group have my full support. We all want to see the economy of South Ayrshire thrive and we all want to see a safer environment for drivers and local residents and upgrading the A77 will be vital in achieving that.”
Galloway & West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson said:
“John Swinney says that he “recognises the world class offering of the South of Scotland”, if that is the case then when will the Scottish Government provide further investment for road infrastructure for the A75 and A77. I have given evidence at the Petitions Committee regarding the urgent need for investment in the A75 and A77, currently these roads are still not fit for purpose and I will continue to raise these matters in Parliament.”
Press Release by Stena Line on 23rd October 2017
A77 Flood Closure…poor road infrastructure a threat to future growth.
Bosses at Stena Line have slammed the lack of investment in the roads to and from Cairnryan and have claimed that events over the weekend, which saw the A77 close for almost 24hrs due to severe flooding, will reoccur in the future if the current lack of investment in road improvements continues.
At 4pm on Saturday afternoon (21st Oct), Police took the decision to close the A77 due to severe flooding 2 miles south of Loch Ryan Port. As one of the main arterial routes to and from the ports of Loch Ryan and Cairnryan, the 24 hrs closure caused major disruption in the area for freight and tourism traffic using the ports as well as local people living in the area.
Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director (Irish Sea North) said: “Once more, our port operations have been disrupted as a result of the years of neglect of the main roads in the area so it’s inevitable that during spells of bad weather with the roads unable to cope, key port facilities such as Stena Line’s Loch Ryan Port are effectively are put into ‘lock down’ mode.
“It’s quite clear from this and other incidents that the current A77 and A75 don’t reflect the requirements fitting of a major UK – Ireland travel and freight hub so I’m afraid that major disruptions and loss of trade could be a feature of life in the region until those responsible commit the necessary resources to alleviate these recurring problems.
“As the third largest port gateway in the UK, it seems incredible that Loch Ryan is still unable to attract the support and investment other UK ports have been able to secure to help them meet the increasing demands placed upon them. Incidents like the weekend put a sharp focus on the limitations of the current road infrastructure in the region and we would urge local politicians to work with us to help the people and economy of South West Scotland get the road network they now desperately deserve. Stena Line have invested approx. £250 million in its Cairnryan – Belfast route and this commitment needs to be reciprocated. Freight and travel customers need to be able to get to their markets safely and without disruptions. The peripheral and isolated nature of Cairnryan needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
