A £200,000 design contract for a new airport fire station has been awarded to an on-island company after a successful appeal.

The design contract had gone out to tender and was awarded to an off-island company which saw off bids from two Manx firms.

But one of the island-based architects appealed and won.

The current airport fire station is 30 years old and is no longer considered fit for purpose.

It is too small for the number of firefighting staff and vehicles, its facilities inadequate and there are safety issues.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ’An appeal received over the award of the airport fire station design contract has been upheld.

’The contract will now remain on-island and the department looks forward to working with the local contractor on this important strategic project.’

Construction of the new airport fire station is expected to begin in the financial year 2022-23 but no funding for the project has yet been earmarked.

Questions about another airport contract were raised in the House of Keys this week.

Former airline pilot Paul Quine (Douglas South) asked about the terms of reference for consultants Lemaurey engaged at Ronaldsway, how they were selected and how much the consultancy has cost.

Infrastructure Minister Time Baker said Lemaurey had been appointed to provide support, advice and guidance on airport management, operational procedures, regulation compliance and licensing, training, quality certification and continuous improvement. He said they were selected from three bidders and have been paid £64,182 since April 1 last year.

Responding to a supplementary question from Mr Quine, Mr Baker said the current arrangements are expected to last until at least the end of February 2021.

He said he could not confirm whether the other two firms that tendered were local but said he would get back to MHKs with details.