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Tynwald approval sought for capital projects 7 October 2010 MEMBERS of Tynwald will be asked to approve capital spending of £4.8 million at October’s sitting in order to maintain the vitality of the local construction industry and progress a range of Government projects. The programme includes expenditure of £1.6 million on a GP surgery in Jurby, and £1.5 million to upgrade sections of the Snaefell Mountain Railway track. The projects are aimed at enhancing facilities and services across the Departments of Community, Culture and Leisure; Health; Environment, Food and Agriculture; Education and Children; Infrastructure; and Social Care. Ahead of October’s sitting, Treasury Minister Anne Craine MHK has emphasised the importance of the capital programme, set out in the 2010 Budget and approved by Tynwald, as a means of supporting the economy and maintaining the Island’s infrastructure. She added that Government constantly monitored the progress of its capital programme in order to ensure the effective take-up of the budget. If any schemes fall behind schedule for whatever reason, other initiatives that have already been identified - and would be of benefit to the construction sector - are considered for advancement in their place. ‘Although we are experiencing a period of financial constraint, there are many compelling reasons why Government continues to invest in capital schemes. We are the construction industry’s biggest customer and account for about 70 per cent of spending in the sector. Construction employs 3,000 people in the Island and is an important part of the economy. Apart from sustaining jobs and income, capital schemes are necessary or worthwhile in their own right as they help to improve the infrastructure that supports our standard of living,’ Mrs Craine said. The Minister also stressed the difference between capital and revenue spending and said that whilst the capital budget had been reduced this year, the focus remained on reducing ongoing revenue costs as a way of rebalancing Government’s finances in the current economic circumstances and following the revision of VAT sharing arrangements with the UK. Approval will be sought at the October sitting of Tynwald for – • £1,646,000 for a GP surgery and healthcare facility in Jurby • £1,500,000 to renew parts of the Snaefell Mountain Railway considered to be in urgent need of replacement • £800,000 towards a new cull facility at the Animal Waste Processing Plant in Tromode • £500,000 to support the Department of Education and Children’s minor capital works programme • £233,000 for the Laxey pavilion refurbishment scheme • £118,000 for the MER Laxey viaduct bridge deck replacement More stories >>>
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