Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne has responded to our front page story on the government projects that have been the biggest waste of taxpayers’ cash – by listing what he say are his department’s biggest successes.
He has listed no fewer than 27 ‘achievements’ for which he believes the Department of Infrastructure should be praised.
The Manx Independent last week cited a number of DoI projects that could be included in a top 10 of government wastes of money, including the Ballakillowey roundabout, Sloc Road resurfacing, airport runway extension and giant car park for the Home of Rest for Old Horses.
Mr Gawne’s list of achievements include the modernisation of the bus fleet, which he says is lowering fuel and maintenance costs.
The bus replacement policy has been criticised in the past over the disposal of 12-year-old buses to Blackpool and the failed experiment with bendy-buses when public transport was in the former Department of Community Culture and Leisure.
Construction of a specialist facility at Richmond Hill for the temporary storage of hazardous waste is listed, as are new measures aimed at promoting greater fairness in the allocation of public sector accommodation for older people.
Mr Gawne’s list includes the construction of 500 affordable homes since 2011, while almost £70m has been invested in public sector housing and more than £6m provided in financial assistance to first-time buyers
He says the DoI has been at the forefront of government’s efforts to rebalance public finances, meeting a succession of challenging budget targets.
The department has worked with the Strategic Asset Management Unit to dispose of more than £14m of surplus property and land and to cut annual spending on rentals by £1m. It has signed contracts with DONG and Manx Tidal Energy aimed at unlocking the potential for offshore energy production.
Publishing the draft Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2015 is listed as another achievement, as is new legislation introduced to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and to deal with dilapidated properties and unsightly land.
Mr Gawne believes another achievement is to issue a call for potential sites for new residential development in Castletown.
Transferring functions to local government is listed, as is changing to the way local authorities are charged for disposing of household waste at the Energy from Waste plant.
Progressing proposals for the future of sea services and a new ferry terminal in Liverpool are on the list and so are moves to improve defences against coastal flooding.
All the achievements:
Since 2011, approaching 500 affordable homes have been built. Half this total has been additional properties for first-time buyers and public secto tenants, and half replacement housing for substandard public sector properties.
Almost £70million has been invested in public sector housing and more than £6million provided in financial assistance to first-time buyers
DoI has been at the very forefront of government’s efforts to rebalance public finances, meeting a succession of challenging budget targets.
DoI worked with Strategic Asset Management Unit to dispose of more than 14million of surplus property and land and to cut spending on rentals.
DoI has signed contracts with DONG and Manx Tidal Energy aimed at unlocking the Isle of Man’s potential to become a leader in offshore energy production.
Published the ‘Draft Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2015 – Towards a Sustainable Island’, which sets out general policies for the development and use of land and identifies the island’s long-term housing needs.
New legislation introduced (The Building Regulations 2014) to improve the energy efficiency, design and performance of buildings.
Introduced the Local Government and Building Control (Amendment) Bill to deal with dilapidated properties and unsightly land.
Issued a Call for Sites in Castletown to identify potential sites for new residential development.
Modernising the relationship between central and local government, including the transfer of a range of highways maintenance functions
Introduced a significant change to the way local authorities are charged for disposing of household waste at the Energy from Waste plant, enabling gate fees to be frozen for 2016-17. This meant the department giving up the previously agreed policy to grow its income by a further £3.2 million from the island’s ratepayers.
Progressed proposals for the future of the Isle of Man’s strategic sea services and a new ferry terminal in Liverpool.
Progressed options to improve the Isle of Man’s defences against harbour flooding and costal overtopping.
Introduced an action plan to promote the long-term management of the green lanes.
Introduced energy saving measures to lower utility bills across its estate.
Modernisation of the bus fleet is lowering fuel and maintenance costs, as well as improving services for passengers
Introduction of online payments for vehicle tax helping the customer and reducing admin costs.
New efficiencies are being achieved through shared services in Government’s fleet and estates management
Published guidance for parties interested in developing within our territorial seas.
Constructed a specialist facility for the temporary storage of hazardous wastes.
Progressed new measures aimed at promoting greater fairness in the allocation of public sector accommodation for older people.
Carried out a major refurbishment of the linkspan in Douglas.
Progressed proposals aimed at improving the safety of new drivers.
Recycled excavated material from the Peel Road refurbishment to create a heritage trail cycleway on a section of the old steam railway line between Crosby and Union Mills.
Completed the first homes in the Isle of Man designed to achieve the internationally recognised Passivhaus standard.
Updated the laws governing road racing to ensure that motorsport festivals continue to flourish and make an important contribution to the Manx economy and culture.
Stepped in to save the Douglas horse trams during the service’s 140th anniversary.