Transport Links Between Scotland and Northern Ireland

That the Parliament recognises the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Scotland and Northern Ireland; notes the view that, in order to further develop the benefits of this connection, there is a need to improve key transport links in the South Scotland region, particularly the A77, A75 and rail links in the south west, which carry the majority of traffic to and from the Stena Line and P&O ferry terminals at Loch Ryan; believes that these ferry services are among the busiest in the UK for freight traffic and represent a significant opportunity for economic and tourism growth; notes that both the A77 and A75 are predominantly single carriageway routes that pass through a number of small towns and villages; acknowledges the calls by local campaigners and road users for the Scottish Government to lay out a long-term programme of investment in south west Scotland’s transport infrastructure due to routes not being fit for purpose and a barrier to development and economic growth, and considers that reliable, resilient transport infrastructure is a vital component to securing the future of the area’s economy and ensuring that Scotland has the best possible trading relationship with Northern Ireland in the future.