Liverpool ferry terminal project's budget was 'hopelessly ambitious' 

Committee finds scheme was 'inadequately planned'

The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal Project was ‘inadequately planned’ and initial budgeting was ‘hopelessly ambitious’.

That’s the view of the chair of the Public Accounts Committee which has published a report into government’s handling of the scheme.

It focusses on the early stages of the project including planning, feasibility and contracting.

Chair Juan Watterson said: “The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool was a project with a rushed delivery timescale which was inadequately planned and proved to be hopelessly ambitious in its initial budgeting.

“Our comprehensive report provides an account of the project’s early stages and sets out how a capital project estimated at £18m will escalate to around four times its initial cost.

“Whilst many of the factors in this project were unique: Covid-19, location, and complexity, there are definitely things that can be improved, as reflected in our recommendations.

“This story is not yet over, but the committee has fulfilled its obligation to Tynwald and the Manx taxpayer in examining what happened and in identifying what we expect to see to improve value for money in future projects.”

He told Manx Radio the report is a 'difficult read': 

You can read the report in full HERE.