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Protest over Isle of Man airport contract award
Page 6
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By Chris Tindall CONSTRUCTION hauliers on the Isle of Man (loM) are up in arms, claiming they have been overlooked in a multi-millionpound airport extension project that was handed to an operator 350 miles away — in Norfolk.
A go-slow protest in the island's capital, Douglas, took place last week (pictured right), with drivers angry at the government for not giving work to local firms.
A spokesman for the group says operators were involved in the initial stages, then promised more work, but additional trucks were then ferried over from the mainland at a cost of £1,000 per vehicle to transport materials when locals were ready and willing.
He adds: "Given the current financial climate, and the fact that the local haulage industry is struggling, we feel that the loM government should be supporting the industry, not hammering the nails into its coffin."
The Island Road Transport Association (IRTA) says it supports the hauliers protest and will be meeting with ministers to discuss the issue, Chairman Jon Bennett says: "The IRTA needs to make sure this government recognises and obeys its own rules, and also supports the industry, particularly on future capital projects."
loM transport minister David Anderson says: -The department makes it clear to its contractors that they are to maximise the use of local resources as a priority, which we believe they do.
"However, we have to accept that such a requirement must also be reflective of the need for the contractor to ensure the services they are obtaining — in this case trucks — are fit for purpose, safe, competent and provide value for money. We also have to accept it would be inappropriate for the department to interfere in that process, other than to be satisfied that it has been carried out in a proper and professional manner."
RI Holbrook, the Norfolk haulier undertaking the work on behalf of contractor Colas, • says it has been carrying out this type of work for 17 years.
Managing director Rory Holbrook says: "Last year, the hauliers weren't interested in working for Colas because of the recession. This year, there's no work about. The Department of Transport has cut spending and now they are interested."
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