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Leading think tank criticizes Boris Johnson tunnel plan in Scotland and Northern Ireland
BORIS Johnson's plans for a multi-billion pound tunnel between Scotland and Northern Ireland have been criticized by a leading economic think tank.
The Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) has stated that it will not bring the claimed economic benefits, that it will conflict with climate change goals and that money could be better spent on other things.
The Prime Minister has previously stated that there are serious plans to build a bridge between Portpatrick and Larne in Northern Ireland.
But last week, the Scottish secretary, Alister Jack, said he was in favor of a tunnel – and claimed that Mr Johnson was "exactly on the same wavelength".
He said a tunnel would boost the economies of the two regions and strengthen the Union, and could be built by 2030.
And he said it would also better solve some of the problems associated with the deep, stormy north channel – part of which was used as a World War II munitions dump.
He said: "It is no different from the tunnels connecting the Faroe Islands, it is no different from the tunnels under the fjords, and this deals with the problem of the Beaufort dike and the munitions of the Second World War.
"The bridge for me is an understatement for a link, which is a tunnel."
But the FAI rejected the idea, which it said was "not an April Fool".
In a blog post, he said: "It will not give the economic boost according to some claims, it is not a priority, it would go to the wrong place, it would not be compatible with the objectives of climate change, and 39; money could be better spent on other things.
"Other than that, it's a cracked idea."
The FAI has said that those who hope the 21-mile road link will be a "catalyst for faster economic growth in Scotland and Northern Ireland will be deeply disappointed".
He stated that improving the way people move around the cities of Scotland is a higher priority – and stressed that it still takes two and a half hours to travel between Aberdeen and Glasgow.
The think tank said the proposed bridge or tunnel would not actually connect centers of economic activity.
He added: "Instead, travelers will arrive in the rural areas of Dumfries and Galloway or Argyll, with a journey of more than 90 miles to the central belt (at least an additional two and a half hours).
"This will not improve connectively to the point where any hope of clustering or agglomeration effects could materialize."
Economists have said that the estimated cost of around £ 20 billion would be equivalent to more than 14 Queensferry crossings and could be "much better spent".
SNP MSP Tom Arthur said: "If Boris Johnson has £ 20 billion to spend on infrastructure, we are happy to send him some suggestions.
"But, as the Fraser of Allander Institute rightly points out, a road bridge – or tunnel – crossing the Irish Sea is hardly a priority.
"Boris Johnson could not build a bridge over the Thames when he was mayor of London – but thinks that we will trust him to carry out one of the most complicated infrastructure projects imaginable.
"Everyone knows that the Conservatives have no intention of providing this – as always, this is just one way for Boris Johnson to distract himself from the failures of a decade of the past. 39; conservative austerity.
"If the Conservatives cannot explain why the Fraser of Allander Institute is wrong, then they should be laughed at every room where they mention this stupid plan."
Scottish Greens transport spokesman John Finnie MSP said the analysis "shows how ridiculous the bridge proposed by Boris Johnson is."
He added: "If there are really £ 20 billion available for major infrastructure projects, this could play a huge role in our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
"We could renew the entire fleet of public ferries in Scotland, assist councils in establishing local public bus services and make much-needed improvements to our rail network, such as repairing main lines from Milngavie and Highland and the reopening of the Dunfermline line in Alloa.
"It is time for this Conservative government to suspend or close, rather than perpetually buzzing on this absurd road to nowhere."
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