Strangford Ferry foot passenger fares to be suspended on Portaferry Gala Night

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced that fares for Strangford Lough Ferry foot passengers will be suspended after 3pm on Friday during the Portaferry Gala Night.

MV Strangford - Strangford Ferry

The suspension will allow ferry crews to safely manage the very large crowds of passengers using the Ferry Service on Gala Night.

Minister Hazzard said:

“In the interests of passenger safety and to minimise queuing and crowding, no fares will be collected from foot passengers after 3pm. The Ferry Service would encourage people to travel early, if possible, to minimise queues and avoid delays.

“Portaferry Gala Night is the busiest day and night of the year for the Ferry Service. It is the only time of the year that you will see over a thousand people travelling on the Ferry Service within an hour.  We expect between 5000-6000 people to use the Service on Friday after 3pm.”

Normal charges for vehicles and drivers will apply at all times on 22 July.  Normal charges for all passengers will apply from 23 July.   However foot passengers can travel for free this Friday 22 July from 3pm to the last sailing at 10.45pm.

These arrangements will be advertised by a flyer distributed on the ferry and through local businesses and by SMS text alerts to registered users. Information can also be found on NI Direct.

Notes to editors: 

For media enquiries please contact the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or out of hours contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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