THE feasibility of building a bridge or tunnel between Jersey and France will be examined as part of a new strategy outlining ways to improve the Island’s economy.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has said that, if such a project is pursued, it would first need to be subject to a cost-benefit analysis as well as discussions with French officials to gauge interest and viability. The concept of a road link between the Island and France – at a potential cost of more than £1 billion – was initially championed by former Jersey Chamber of Commerce president Peter Walsh more than a decade ago.
Mr Walsh even went as far as to send his proposal to then-French president Nicholas Sarkozy, but the project ultimately never get off the ground.
However, the recently published Delivery Framework for Sustainable Economic Development, which forms part of the government’s Future Economy Programme, has said that a “fixed connection” could create new labour opportunities and “fundamentally reshape” the Island’s economy.
“Improving our links to neighbouring jurisdictions in our region can bring economic value from increased access to markets, greater competition, a larger talent pool, removing natural barriers to industry, and enhancing tourism. We mostly rely on transport links to the UK via sea and air, but in addition there are opportunities to explore the feasibility of improving our interconnectivity and transport links to France,” the document states.
“Enabling regular commuters and freight via sea, air or a fixed connection with France may create new economic and labour opportunities and increase our overall resilience to external factors. While a permanent link with France is often discussed, it has not been exhaustively tested. Such a connection would fundamentally reshape Jersey’s economy and significantly impact our Island life. Therefore, testing the feasibility will include analysis and discussion of the balancing factors, for everyone to review before any commitment is made,” it added.
Deputy Morel said: “For me there is no question that Jersey needs more connectivity with France.”
He explained that this would first involve looking at improving the existing air and sea links, but acknowledged that a bridge or tunnel could also be an option – noting that it could enable French workers to commute to Jersey.
He cited the Faroe Islands as an example of where such infrastructure had been developed in a cost-effective manner.
“It is a very complex and large project but I do think it is something we need to look it,” he said.
However, Deputy Morel stressed that the concept could be quickly shelved if it was “proven to be unfeasible early on”.
“The first hurdle would be a cost-benefit analysis,” he explained, adding that France’s potential interest in such a project would also need to be assessed.
Leadership Jersey founder Kevin Keen, who has previously called for the potential benefits of a bridge or tunnel to be examined, said he was “quite pleased that the government is considering some big ideas”.
“The idea of a fixed link to France is worthy of proper consideration. It is positive that the different options and their pros and cons will be assessed,” he continued.
“These things have been done all over the world – why can’t we think about doing it here?”
