The condition of the new sports fields at Castle Rushen High School has come under scrutiny in the House of Keys, with concerns raised about maintenance and damage caused by rabbits.
Education Minister Daphne Caine confirmed the fields were “signed off on December 14 2024 with the issuance of the defects certificate” and are currently in use.
However, Jason Moorhouse MHK questioned whether the school had accepted the facility’s quality, asking, “When the school fields were signed off in September 2024, had the school accepted the quality of the facility, or did the department take that decision independently?”
Maintenance
Tim Glover MHK pressed the Minister on why maintenance discussions were still ongoing months after handover.
Mrs Caine acknowledged “some damage caused by rabbits,” describing it as “significant during the works” but noted a rabbit fence had been installed to limit access.
She added, “I visited the school last year and was perfectly pleased with the sports pictures, which I believe are in use.”
Julie Edge MHK raised concerns about specialist maintenance, asking if the department had ensured the original contractor’s skills would still be required.
Minister Caine agreed maintenance was “specialist” and said dialogue with the Department of Infrastructure was ongoing.
On underground heating, she stated, “As far as I’m aware, that is on regular maintenance with the contractor.”
Mr Moorhouse highlighted further issues, stating the football and cricket net areas were “in a state of erosion and decay.”
Mrs Caine confirmed these were “part of the contract and have been paid in full” but admitted she lacked “operational detail” on the current state.
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