Basis of decision on passenger only ferry for Dunoon Gourock crossing: FOI release

Information requested

1. Please supply the Minutes of the meeting at which the decision was taken.

2. If the principal reason for the decision was environmental please provide the evidence that the environmental benefits achieved between the vehicle ferry service ceasing on 30/June/2011 and the decision being taken in Dec/2018 were sufficiently significant not to reinstate the vehicle ferry service. Since most of the passenger vehicles that had used the town centre crossing shifted to using Western Ferries, and therefore increased their road journeys, the effect would actually appear to be environmentally negative. Anecdotally a large portion of the HGV traffic that used the town centre actually switched to traveling by road, if you have any evidence to refute that please also supply it.

3. If the principal reason for the decision was economic what figures was this based upon as the consultations on the required concept vessels, infrastructure changes at Gourock and infrastructure changes at Dunoon for a reliable passenger only service have not even started then and still have not been completed.

4. In 2018 the future of "Rest" on the A83 was unknown, and that still largely remains the case. Were the benefits of restoring vehicle capacity on the ferries to Cowal as an alternative route in any way considered, if so how.

5. In the 2018 decision what figure was used per vessel for replacement vehicle ferries was used. In the Concept Vessel consultation the cost of a passenger only vessel was contrasted with a figure of £30m for a vehicle ferry - a figure that had previously discredited.

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section 30(b)(ii) which covers free and ank provision of advice applies to some of the information. Section 38(1)(b) applies to third party data and section 25(1) applies to information that is otherwise accessible.

Section 30(b)(i) of FOISA (free and frank provision of advice) applies to some of the information requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice. This exemption recognises the need to have a private space within which to provide advice.

Personal data relating to names of Scottish Government officials has also been redacted under 38(1) (b) of FOISA. This exemption applies because the information is personal data of third parties and disclosing it would contravene data protection principles.

Section 25(1) (otherwise accessible) applies to some of the information requested, as this is already in the public domain.

These exemptions are subject to the ‘public interest test’. We have considered if the public interest in disclosing some information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, there is a greater public interest in protecting the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service and ensuring that the Scottish Government is able to conduct this aspect of its business effectively.

Answers to your request can be found in the attached annex.

1. Please supply the Minutes of the meeting at which the decision was taken.

1. Pages 1-5 - Note following Ministerial discussion and policy submission.

2. If the principal reason for the decision was environmental please provide the evidence that the environmental benefits achieved between the vehicle ferry service ceasing on 30/June/2011 and the decision being taken in Dec/2018 were sufficiently significant not to reinstate the vehicle ferry service. Since most of the passenger vehicles that had used the town centre crossing shifted to using Western Ferries, and therefore increased their road journeys, the effect would actually appear to be environmentally negative. Anecdotally a large portion of the HGV traffic that used the town centre actually switched to traveling by road, if you have any evidence to refute that please also supply it.

2. Relevant information released as part of FOI/19/01198 and letter of 12/12/18 to DGFAG.

3. If the principal reason for the decision was economic what figures was this based upon as the consultations on the required concept vessels, infrastructure changes at Gourock and infrastructure changes at Dunoon for a reliable passenger only service have not even started then and still have not been completed.

3. Please see previous FoI request response FOI/20/00020233

4. In 2018 the future of "Rest" on the A83 was unknown, and that still largely remains the case. Were the benefits of restoring vehicle capacity on the ferries to Cowal as an alternative route in any way considered, if so how.

4. Please see your previous FoI request FOI/2021/00215635

5. In the 2018 decision what figure was used per vessel for replacement vehicle ferries was used. In the Concept Vessel consultation the cost of a passenger only vessel was contrasted with a figure of £30m for a vehicle ferry - a figure that had previously discredited.

5. Information has been previously released as part of FoI request FOI/20/00020233, for convenience information is provided on page 14.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202200301538 - Information released - Annex

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