Ramsey Town Commissioners has agreed to the Department of Infrastructure’s plans to improve Ramsey Quayside, but have stipulated that certain conditions should be met.

Prior to meeting with the DoI Minister Tim Baker and Director for Highways, Jeff Robinson, the commissioners convened to go over the main points.

Commissioner Wilf Young remained of the view that the scheme was unnecessary. Andy Cowie and Juan McGuinness felt that priority should be given to the need for flood protection but were otherwise open to compromise. Most members said they would reluctantly accept a reduction in quayside parking, as long as an alternative was provided.

All felt that the proposed glass flood wall should be reduced in height and that cleaning it should be the responsibility of the Department.

Members also agreed that a clear programme for works should be obtained; that it was of vital importance that communication about the scheme be properly undertaken with all stakeholders and affected property owners and occupiers, with an accountable project manager as contact throughout.

At the special board meeting Minister Baker was joined by Mr Robinson and Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

In response the board’s queries, Mr Robinson advised that the glass flood wall came with a 20-year guarantee. It was self-cleaning, but any washing required would fall within the harbour keepers’ duties. The wall height of 1,350mm provided freeboard for overlapping.

Granite was the preferred material for the paving slabs as it was the most non-absorbent stone available. The harbourside walkway would be concrete.

Responding to earlier concerns, the Department had met with the fishermen’s organisation and agreed to provide an extra berth so that two boats could unloaded at once. Provision could be made for lobster potters.

Mr Robinson explained that the scheme would result in the loss of approximately 50 parking spaces. The Department was willing to offer the commissioners a 10-year lease on the former Albert Road School site at a cost of approximately £16,000 per annum. When put to the vote, however, the board rejected the idea on cost grounds. Mr Baker said the Department was very keen to proceed with the overall scheme but not against the commissioners’ views.

Mr Hooper said he hoped the scheme would find support, as there remained a high risk of flooding to the town.

In conclusion, the commissioners voted to support the scheme, subject to the glass wall being the responsibility of the DoI, the flood wall being restricted to 1,200mm with decorative embellishment to be agreed, and the position of the fish producers being resolved. Mr McGuinness and Mr Young voted against.