Construction of new ferry docks should start in July and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown has admitted the work will cause major disruptions during the height of the busy tourist season.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering has received approval to construct three new ferry docks in preparation for the new high-speed transport.

The Development Applications Board (DAB) approved the construction of a new floating dock and resurfacing of the adjacent dock wall at number one, Point Pleasant road in the City of Hamilton.

The Ministry also received permission to carry out renovations and modifications to include a new fixed pier and floating docks and provisions for the new ferry service facility and new fuel tanks at number two, Crow Lane, Pembroke.

Permission was also granted for the construction of a new ferry dock and new public information and ticket office building at the ferry stop, Dockyard Terrace, in Sandys.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said yesterday that the developments had already been put to tender and said: "We expect to have an answer soon.'' He said construction would ideally start in July to be ready for January and hoped that construction would have the least impact possible on all concerned.

Dr. Brown did concede: "Commuters will be inconvenienced. Visitors will be inconvenienced, staff will be inconvenienced and tour boat operators will have to make adjustments.'' But Dr. Brown said he hoped to spread the inconvenience around to impact equally on all groups.

He said his Ministry was meeting with the Corporation of Hamilton today to finalise details concerning the upcoming transition period.

Planning gives green light for fast ferry docks The DAB also said that for all three docks: "Adequate provisions should be made during all phases of the site preparation and construction to protect the coastline, especially the deposit of excess material and debris which could damage the marine environment.'' The DAB added: "In this regard, a protective fencing to catch debris along the waters edge shall be erected and maintained during the construction period.'' And for the dock at Crow Lane, the Board advised: "The fuelling system to be installed shall include state of the art equipment that includes safety procedures, as well as equipment for addressing any spillage of oil.'' The Board also advised that provisions be made for the treatment of sewage pump out.

The new ferries are scheduled to be operational by January 2002 and the ferry terminal in Hamilton could be moved to a different location while work constructing the new dock is carried out.

The first new ferry is currently under construction in Massachusetts, and Dr.

Brown has said the entire project should cost approximately $25 million.