Rocketing ferry terminal cost "deeply concerning"

The cost of the Isle of Man's Liverpool ferry terminal has nearly doubled since planning permission was granted in 2019.

The Infrastructure Department will ask Tynwald to approve an additional spend of £32.6 million later this month.

Initially, the project had been expected to be complete by July this year and cost £38 million.

Now it's estimated to finish mid 2023 and cost £70.6m.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall said: "This issue is clearly deeply concerning and, of course, there are lessons to be learnt from it.

"My predecessor has already referred the matter to be reviewed as part of the political scrutiny procedure that exists and we will all work to support this process.

"However, we must make a decision on the future of this project and this should be our immediate focus".

Once finished. the terminal and linkspan is expected to accommodate up to 1000 passengers, 200 vehicles and the new Manxman Steam Packet vessel which- due to enter service in 2023. 

The new terminal is situated about 800 yards from the existing terminal at Pier Head.