THE EARLY stages of a potential scheme for a new link bridge and floating pontoon for Fishguard’s ferry and associated works have been submitted to the national park, as part of multimillion-pound development which would provide better facilities for passengers and vehicles.
In an ‘observation’ application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the unnamed applicant, believed to be Stena Line, seeks a long string of proposals.
The submission, not accompanied by any published supporting documents, includes the replacement of the existing linkspan bridge and jack up barge with new floating linkspan pontoon to serve Stena line ferry at Fishguard Harbour.
A linkspan is a type of drawbridge used mainly in the operation of moving vehicles on and off a roll-on/roll-off vessel or ferry.
It also includes capital dredging of 78,000m3, with disposal at licensed site inMilford Haven, along with a piled reinforced concrete bankseat; tubular steel guide pile; reclamation to facilitate extension to the road and pedestrian network.
It also includes the demolition of structures, including a disused RNLI slipway; rock armour revetment with toe detail to tie into scour protection; storm sewer extension; and ancillary and temporary works.
The published observation scheme has been marked as a response.
Stena Line is currently in the process of applying to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for a marine licence application for the replacement linkspan at Fishguard Port, via its agents RPS Consulting UK & Ireland.
The submitted documents state that Stena Line proposes to replace the existing temporary arrangement of a linkspan and jack-up barge within Fishguard Harbour.
The minutes from a recent meeting of Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council suggest that this development will cost in the region of £15.5 million.
“The proposed development, providing a replacement pontoon, will allow safe berthing of the ferry, and provide an improved facility for passenger and vehicular access to vessels within the port,” state documents provided to NRW.
The planning boundary of the proposed development is encompassed by Fishguard Harbour, within Fishguard Bay.
Stena Line Ltd owns a floating pontoon, which they want to relocate to Fishguard.
Because the proposed development is within the boundaries of the West Wales Marine SAC and in proximity to other marine SACs, Stena has had to submit environmental statements to NRW. The most recent was submitted at the beginning of last month.
