Dawson-WAM has scooped a £750,000 deal to carry out improvement works at the Strangford Lough off-shore moorings and ferry slipway in Co Down.

The firm, located in Saintfield, is to begin work over the next few months.

Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "I want to congratulate local firm Dawson-WAM which will carry out the essential improvements to the off-shore moorings and ferry slipway to facilitate the arrival of the new vehicle ferry vessel in autumn 2016.

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"I recently visited ship builders Cammell Laird to view the progress on the construction of the new Strangford Ferry. It was really impressive to see the progress being made on the new ferry and to hear that the build is on schedule.

"This £6million investment by the NI Executive will see the replacement of the existing MV Strangford, which is now over 40 years old. The new modern ferry has been designed specifically for this important route and will provide a more reliable and efficient ferry service for the public in the years ahead."

Construction work is scheduled to commence in mid January and is due to be complete in approximately 12 weeks.

(CD/LM)