Iona Breakwater, Slipways and Public Toilet Block

Breakwater: The current infrastructure at each side of the Sound of Iona is not fit for purpose and this is the main factor in service reliability for the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to and from Iona.

The slipway on Iona is completely exposed and has no shelter from weather and this, combined with recent repair works involving steel shuttering, has resulted in making it difficult for the ferry to grip the pier, this has a negative impact on service provision.

The result of inadequate infrastructure in the Sound of Iona has a direct impact on the lives of the people who live there. A day without a ferry results in essential services to the island being affected – medical, educational, refuse collection, business delivery etc.

The solution to the situation is a breakwater at Iona. This infrastructure will enable a much improved service, and improved ability for lifeline services to travel to and from Iona with the facilitation of wider forms of economic development on both sides of the Sound.

Slipway Repairs: A Principal Inspection in 2018 at Iona Slipways noted a number of defects requiring repair. A number of these repairs were completed under a construction contract awarded in May 2021, with a number of defects still outstanding and some items of works undertaken under the 2021 Construction Contract requiring correction.

The works completed under the 2021 Construction Contract have been inspected and additional works progressed under a Phase 1 contract.

This Phase 2 works contract shall complete all outstanding works at Iona Slipways to allow the slipways to continue to fully serve the community and the various services provided through the slipways.

Public Toilet Block: The existing public toilet block, located between the exiting slipway and the proposed breakwater shall also be replaced.