A long-awaited pedestrian crossing and bus stop near QE2 High School in Peel dominated Tynwald discussions this week, with concerns raised over an eight-year delay in delivering what one MHK called “basic infrastructure.”
Kate Lord-Brennan pressed the Department of Infrastructure for action, citing vulnerable residents affected by the lack of safe routes
Citing a 90-year-old Mylchreest Court resident who “honestly thinks this is never going to get done”, she questioned why core budgets couldn’t cover such projects.
DoI Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said that the maintenance budget is “about maintaining existing infrastructure”.
Dr Haywood confirmed the Minor Improvements Committee, which prioritises local highway projects, would review designs next month.
However, she acknowledged delays, stating: “The backlog of work exceeds some of our capability to deliver it.”
Ms Lord-Brennan suggested reallocating funds from other projects, but Haywood refused: “The department is charged with being fiscally responsible.”
She also revealed a traffic engineer vacancy since December has hindered progress.
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