Freeze Rathlin ferry handover
25 June 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has said DRD should freeze the handover of the Rathlin to Ballycastle ferry service to its proposed new operator, Ciaran O’Driscoll pending the outcome of a Northern Ireland Audit Office Investigation.
The MEP commented
“New revelations about deficiencies in the tendering process for a new ferry operator for the Rathlin service continue to come to light on an almost daily basis. Last Friday, I understand that one of the vessels to be used by the new operator, the MV True Light failed a crucial safety test. Indeed, I am concerned that Ciaran O’Driscoll’s company has yet to have an approved safety management plan in place, despite being just days away from the proposed handover, of 1st July.”
“Deficiencies in the ferry service being operated at Cape Clear in the Republic of Ireland by Ciaran O’Driscoll are well documented. My primary concern is to ensure that the Rathlin ferry service will not suffer in similar terms.
While a robust Government tendering exercise should have been an appropriate safeguard, I have my own serious reservations about the tender process itself.”
“Until we have confirmation from the NI Audit Office, that all aspects of the tendering process were above board, and carried out without undue political influence, and from the MCA that all safety considerations have been met, I believe the service should remain with its current operator. I have intimated this in a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Regional Development.
Safety and efficiency must be the primary concern for the award of any public contract. For these reasons, it would be foolish to rush into an irreversible step at this time.”
ENDS
