The government has not progressed any proposals for a marina in Ramsey since a consultation eight years ago, which found the public was in favour.

Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) sought an update from Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer in the House of Keys.

Mr Harmer said: ’The department has not progressed a scheme specifically for developing a marina at Ramsey.

’The department recognises that Ramsey harbour is important as a commercial working harbour, not only for the local community but also for the island as a whole.’

He said the DoI was working with the Department of Economic Development to look at ways it could develop the Ramsey shipyard estate.

He added: ’Investment in the harbour infrastructure has been made over the winter period. This includes efforts to improve the appearance and functionality of the Talk of the Town site and the replacement of the "pepperpot" lighthouses.

’The issue of Ramsey harbour will also be considered as part of the department’s harbours maritime strategy, which is being developed.’

A public consultation in 2009 found a strong majority in favour of a marina development in Ramsey.

Prior to that, nearly two decades ago, ambitious plans for a multi-million-pound marina scheme that would have transformed the harbour and its surrounds were ditched, in the face of a sustained campaign of opposition led by the protest group Ramsey Against Insensitive Development.