WIRRAL is poised to become the 'fast ferry' centre of the North West and Ireland. Mersey Docks and Harbour Company has just told Wirral captains of industry about plans for a £16m Ro Ro ferry terminal at 12 Quays, on the Birkenhead to Wallasey waterfront, writes Robin Bird.

Senior MDHC spokesmen Peter Jones and Budha Majumdar told Wirral Chamber of Commerce that they will issue a single contract for construction of two roll on roll off terminals. One at 12 Quays, the other at Trafalgar Dock, Liverpool, with a total cost around £35m.

It has published an advert in the official journal of the European Union, with a tight response date for companies bidding for the contract. Construction will take 12 months. The Wirral terminal is expected to be commissioned in mid 1999 with the deeper berth facility.

The strength of the Irish economy, combined with the advantages the Mersey holds over other Irish Sea competitors, confirms the need for both terminals. New ferry services between Dublin and Liverpool have already been launched. They will have a fast turn around terminal at 12 Quays, linked to a nearby motorway.

MDHC has obtained the interests in Forth Ports, who had wanted to develop the Ro Ro, with MDC, in competition with Trafalgar Dock.

The Battle of Trafalgar is therefore over, not without a touch of irony. MDHC had objected to 12 Quays but has now withdrawn this as the operator. However, MDHC now needs to persuade one other unnamed objector to withdraw to prevent a costly, time-delaying public inquiry.

Meanwhile, Merseyside Development Corporation is considering funding to fill in Wallasey Dock, adjacent to the Ro Ro Ferry. A spokeswoman stressed this was to release land for the new technology park, not the Ro Ro.

George Alcock, Vice President of Wirral Chamber, said members were very supportive of Mersey Docks' plans.

"We are very much aware that 12 Quays Ro Ro will generate further employment and investment prospects and will prove a positive influence upon Wirral's economic future," he said.

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