Issue - meetings

The Forum considered a written update from Scott Reid, Marine Operations Manager, which detailed the preparation of an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the redevelopment of the passenger only service infrastructure at Dunoon and Kilcreggan Ferry Terminals. The Forum noted that funding options would be explored when the plan’s costs could be narrowed to a single confirmed preferred option for each location.

Alex Leslie, Technical Officer, was present to answer questions.  Councillor Anderson referred to the investment in the Victorian Pier and asked why this was now deemed unfit for use and asked to see the report detailing this decision.  There was further discussion the existing infrastructure not being suitable for vessels and the impact of further extending the existing enclosed area.

Outcome

The Forum –

1.    Noted the update.

2.      Noted that clarification would be given on the reasoning for the Victorian Pier being deemed unfit for use.

The Forum noted the update from Scott Reid, Marine Operations Manager, which detailed the timeline for the Gourock/Dunoon/Kilcreggan infrastructure options appraisal and public consultation.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

The Forum noted the update from Ruairidh Campbell, CMAL, stating that outline options had been worked up for Dunoon and presented to the Working Group which are currently awaiting further development once the Gourock Public Consultation had been completed and the Dunoon concept vessel determined. This would allow the Dunoon options to benefit from the consultation exercises and further detail on the Dunoon Concept vessel.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

The Forum noted that there was nothing further to update until the Forum’s next meeting in August 2021.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

The Forum considered the update from Stewart Clark - Marine Operations Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to compilation of the Outline Business Case of various design solutions to ensure safe berthing of the proposed new vessel at both Dunoon and Kilcreggan.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

As there was no representatives present the Forum noted the circulated presentation by CMAL which updated them on the Gourock/Dunoon project

Outcome

The Forum noted the presentation.

The Assistant Network and Standards Manager confirmed that the moratorium on Traffic Road Orders (TROs) was expected to be lifted as soon as the relevant documentation had been approved by the Legal Department, which he anticipated would be in a matter of weeks’ time.

In relation to the land based improvements clarity was sought over plans for the pier side buildings with the Forum noting that the current situation with TROs maybe the reason for the delay.

The Forum discussed that dependent on the design, there may need to be major changes made to shore side infrastructure to accommodate the vessel and questions were asked as to the feasibility of having a vessel that was interchangeable for different docks and how the shore side infrastructure at Dunoon could be developed to see how the pontoons and the pier could be integrated should the link span be removed.

Outcome

The Forum;

1)    noted the position;

2)    agreed that the Chair would write to CMAL to seek clarification in relation to the design of vessels; and

3)    asked the Assistant Network and Standards Manager to confirm to the Forum what the plans were for the pier side buildings.

The Forum noted that there was still a need for clarity on new ferries in order to move forward. 

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

Verbal update by Chair

The Chair provided an update to the Group on the arrangements that had been put in place by Transport Scotland to hold a meeting to discuss the shore side infrastructure with previously identified stakeholders on 25^th October 2019.

Outcome

The Group noted the update provided.