TAYINLOAN TO GET BETTER FERRY FACILITIES
A multi-million pound plan to improve the ferry facilities at Tayinloan in Argyll and Bute was approved by the Council today (Thursday, April 30).
Over the next two years, some £2.625m will be spent on upgrading the ferry berth and breakwater.
The news will be welcomed by all those who use the ferry service to and from the island of Gigha, which is occasionally disrupted because of problems at the terminal.
The problems stem from the basic configuration of the existing ferry berth, which makes it prone to accumulating silt and seaweed. This causes operational difficulties and represents a significant hazard.
It also results in high and ongoing maintenance costs, which are borne by the Council.
In addition, the breakwater has caused sediment to accumulate on the beach to the south of the berth, and has accelerated coastal erosion to the north.
The plan agreed today involves modifying the causeway at Tayinloan, and extending the existing breakwater.
The proposal is to spend £400,000 in the current financial year, and £2.225m in 2010/11, with the required funding coming from the Roads and Amenity Services existing Capital Budget allocation for Piers and Harbours.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader Dick Walsh said: “This option provides a solution to all the problems – siltation and weed accumulation, build-up of sediment on the beach and coastal erosion.
“The need to undertake improvement was identified as a priority for three main reasons – to ensure the safe operation of the ferry service, to minimise coastal erosion and to significantly reduce maintenance costs.
“The option we agreed today is the most expensive solution, but also the most comprehensive. I am delighted that Gigha and its residents are soon going to benefit from the smoother operation of their lifeline ferry service.”
ENDS
