Tunnels linking Channel Islands to France are discussed

A tunnel between Guernsey and France via Jersey would take up to 10 years to build, says campaigners

Undersea tunnels linking the Channel Islands to France have been discussed at two roadshows this week.

Deputy Kirsten Morel welcomed the events detailing the plans, saying "the conversation has started and that's the most important thing".

There was a mixed reaction at the Jersey roadshow on Tuesday, with some people excited and others concerned.

A rail tunnel between Guernsey and France via Jersey would take up to 10 years to build, said campaigners.

Deputy Morel, the minister for sustainable economic development, said a tunnel to France could address housing crises, labour shortages and the intermittent supply of food.

"There's no question there could be a tunnel from Jersey to France - the question is, 'do islanders want one?'. That's the big issue."

'Total gridlock'

Speaker and author Mark Baker voiced concern about the traffic implications. "I don't think it's feasible.

"They were talking about having 24,000 movements between Jersey and France on a daily basis but Jersey is in gridlock three times a day, that's just going to have us in total gridlock."

Martyn Dorey said making it easier for people to reach the Channel Islands would "transform the future for everyone

Adrian Lewis of Frontier Economics felt differently. "This could just work," he said.

"Seeing the combined value of the Jersey and Guernsey economy and the link to France, actually it could solve some of the issues to do with housing and general workforce. It seemed there's a lot going for it," he concluded.

Speakers at the roadshows included tunnelling experts Arild Sovik, network director of the Norwegian Tunnelling Society and Teitur Samuelsen, chief executive of the Faroe Islands' public company.

Mr Samuelson said the tunnels could connect communities, allowing people to commute for education and social services.

The campaign Connect 3 Million was co-founded by business entrepreneur Martyn Dorey in 2019.

Mr Dorey said making it easier for people to reach the Channel Islands would "transform the future for everyone".