The cost of the new Balthane roundabout has risen by around £600,000 since the scheme was first approved in 2021, the DoI minister has said.
Planning approval has now been obtained for temporary storage and processing of coal tar at Turkeyslands Quarry, with the unfunded cost associated with the treatment coming in at £400,000. The total scheme is now likely to cost approximately £2.1 million.
In the House of Keys, Minister Tim Crookall said the project has been delayed and is now likely to be delivered in the 2027/28 financial year, rather than starting this September as previously indicated.
“The total cost of the now scheme is now likely to be somewhere around just over £2,100,000,” Mr Crookall said.
He added: “The more we think about these things and deliberate and try and get licences to get rid of coal tar, the longer these takes, the far more expensive it’s going to get.
“We have got around about 45 schemes lined up with coal tar in, and they’re going to be so much more expensive.”
Speed Up
ason Moorhouse asked whether the process could be sped up, suggesting the minister could repeat the “magic” seen with the horse transit project.
Mr Crookall responded: “I would absolutely love to bring this scheme forward, and I’m disappointed we can’t do it.”
Financial regulations prevent tendering until funding is secure, with the department now creating a case to secure the additional money required.
The minister also confirmed that consultation with businesses and residents will take place, and the previously proposed one-way system remains part of the plan.