A one-month extension has been granted to enable dredging work in Peel Marina to continue until the end of June and ensure this year’s programme is completed as planned.

The Covid-19 pandemic had stopped all work on the dredging and the extra month is being used to make up for lost time to keep the scheme on track.

This year marks the first of two dredging programmes to remove 22,000 tones, with the second due to get underway in spring 2021.

The dredging process involves using a long reach excavator on a floating barge. The material is transported 450 metres in purpose-designed trailers to a temporary drainage pool constructed in a field upstream from the Marina, beyond Peel power station.

Tim Baker, member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Ports and chairman of the Peel Marina Project Board, said: ’A great deal of progress has been achieved since dredging resumed towards the end of April.

’I’m pleased that the necessary permissions are now in place to extend this year’s activity to the end of June, offsetting the impact of the Covid-19 shutdown.

’This continues to be a very challenging project but one that will restore the Marina to its full operation and enable it to continue to play a key role for Peel and the Island as an attractive destination.’

Moving the material involves two tractors and trailers undertaking a total of 50 movements a day, currently running 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

To simplify these movements, the contractor has recently been granted permission to use an alternative route to move the material to the drainage pool, and can now use either Mill Road or the former steam railway Heritage Trail junction off Station Road.

Road closure orders are in place to cover the path the trailers take from the boat yard on East Quay. Drivers and pedestrians can continue to pass through the area, however, as it remains under the control of the contractors who are responsible for traffic management and will indicate when it is safe to proceed.

Road closed signs are displayed during each period of short closure between 7am and 7pm.

Both the Heritage Trail and Mill Road are subject to a full-time road closures during the duration of the dredging programme, with access maintained at all times for businesses and residents.