Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has insisted he is still committed to a new bus and tram interchange in Ramsey.

A new interchange has been within the Department of Infrastructure’s budget since 2013/14.

Earlier, large-scale plans were rejected and the DoI had been working on producing a project on a smaller scale.

Mr Harmer told Tynwald: ’The department subsequently reviewed its priorities in light of changing circumstances and the pressure on capital budgets and agreed that the Ramsey transport interchange could be removed from the capital programme in the 2021 budget, with a replacement bid for a small scheme submitted.

’Unfortunately, this bid for a smaller scheme was not successful.’

He said the DoI still had a budget of £4.5 million a year for heritage rail expenditure and would ’continue to review departmental priorities’ including options for the Ramsey station site.

’I will be working with the local authority to find a way to improve facilities for bus and rail passengers on this site in a way that does not require major expansion or bus storage.’

The issue was raised by Lawrie Hooper (LibVannn, Ramsey), who expressed disappointment.

’From a Ramsey perspective, redevelopment of that bus station site, enhanced provision for passengers at the tram station would be welcomed by a lot of people,’ Mr Hooper said.

The minister said there could be a phased plan over a number of years.

’I am committed to still going ahead.’