Last night it was the south of the island’s turn to ask the Council of Ministers their concerns and worries.
The session in Castletown covered 20mph speed limits, Manx Utilities’ wind farm, Castle Rushen High School and what is it that the Minister Without Portfolio actually does.
Said Minister Without Portfolio Tim Crookall was asked what efficiencies have been made within government since his appointment.
Efficiencies & Savings
Mr Crookall told the room that “we haven’t made any efficiencies” but went on to add that efficiencies being introduced by Government Tech Services will save time and money and “in time will save jobs”.
However, in the same breath he also stated that there were too many jobs within government, and people must be up-skilled.
He added that the government have over 1,800 assets and he and his team are looking at assets that they “aren’t using” and to offload them to other people.
Speed Limits
To no ones surprise 20mph proved to be a hot and emotive topic at the event, with Department of Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan receiving a few questions on it.
A member of the floor said that the 20mph limits ‘presents the most significant attack on quality of life’ and requested a referendum on it.
In short, no, there will be no referendum on the speed limit, but according to Dr Haywood, it will be under constant review.
Someone else called out the website for the consultation saying it “is not fit for purpose” and “time consuming” as details have to be refilled in with every objection.
Castle Rushen High School
Education Minister Daphne Caine was quizzed about the replacement of Castle Rushen High School
A mother of an 8-year-old asked whether it would be done by the time her child reaches the end of their secondary school education, considering there isn’t even a spade in the ground.
The Education Minister says she would hope that the 8-year-old would be part of that first intake at the new school.
The DoI Minister pitched in saying that a design and build approach was being taken for the project, with hopes that consultants are appointed by August and funding will be sought by next summer.
Wind Farms
It wouldn’t be a trip to the south without mentioning the MUA’s “flawed vanity project”, as one member of the floor called it.
The Chief Minister said he recognises the concerns raised, and said that CoMin “are not deaf” and recognise that there are members of the community that are unhappy with the plans.
But he said we “have committed to renewable energy” and said its important for “energy security”.
All Hail The Island Plan
One of the first questions asked the Chief Minister about the Island Plan and what the vision of it was.
The Chief said that the Island Plan will create an island that is “fit for the future”.
He says it takes in the challenges the island are facing and issues to address such as demographic challenges and diminishing birth rate.
It aims to increase the working population, create an island that attracts young people and to push ahead.
But what was the vision? One person said a lot of plans need scrapping all together, and requested that the public be able to vote for potential MHK’s outside of their area as they felt “there is no one worth voting for in my area”.
Final Night
Tonight is the west’s chance to have their say as the Minister’s prepare for their final night of questions.
Doors open at 5.15pm, events start at 5.30pm and finish at 8pm.
This evening’s event will take place at QEII High School in Peel.
4 Comments