Expanding harbour ‘should be the number one priority’

GBA president Nick Guillemette was speaking after seven deputies submitted a requete calling for inert waste to be used to extend the harbour by building a new jetty.

The deputies want the project prioritised over extending the existing Longue Hougue site to the south towards Belle Greve Bay.

Mr Guillemette said the St Peter Port reclamation proposals would considerably help with the future of Guernsey harbours.

‘There is no doubt that the much-needed protection of this proposed new harbour extension will not only extend the life of our existing port, but also provide extensive opportunities for improvements in general harbour operations,’ he said.

‘Much of the infrastructure is either crumbling beneath the surface, like the New Jetty, or is being weakened by constant erosion of the sea bed, like the White Rock pier and number 6 berth.

‘Both of these structures are vital to the security of the daily harbour operations.’

Mr Guillemette warned that the bulk of our imports, as well as passengers, are unloaded on ramps which have only five to 10 years left before they will need to be replaced.

‘Should there be an operational problem with them in the meantime, Guernsey would have a major catastrophe,’ he said.

‘In essence, our main lifeline to the rest of the world would be severed.’

If a new jetty was to be built, the GBA said it could assist with finding another operator to run the ferry service, given that Condor is up for sale.

‘If this was possible, the island could enjoy improved sea links with France and the UK,’ said Mr Guillemette.

‘This would not only be good for local tourism and freight handling, but could also provide better sailing schedules for locals who have grown tired of the current services.

‘The smaller cruise liners may even be interested in using any spare capacity on the new extension.’

He added that doing so could enable them to offload their passengers without the need to use their tenders.

GBA said there could also be benefits to retailers by having passengers access Town via Le Pollet and due to relocating ferry marshalling zones, space could be made for additional Town parking.

Mr Guillemette asked the States not to ignore the requete and agree with it as soon as possible.

‘This harbour redevelopment proposal should be our number one priority as it affects our whole island community,’ he said.

‘To delay or ignore this vital issue could seriously jeopardise our economy and way of life.’