The Public Accounts Committee has today published its report on the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal Project (PP 2023/0123). The Committee was mandated to report following a resolution of Tynwald in December 2021. The report focuses on the earlier stages of the project, particularly planning, feasibility and contracting; it makes six recommendations specifically related to the processes and procedures to be followed for both anticipating and managing large and complex projects.

Chair of the Committee, Juan Watterson SHK said:
The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool was a project with a rushed delivery timescale, which was inadequately planned and proved to be hopelessly ambitious in its initial budgeting.
Our comprehensive report provides an account of the project’s early stages and sets out how a capital project estimated at £18m, will escalate to around four times its initial cost.

He went on to say that:
Whilst many of the factors in this project were unique: Covid-19, location, and complexity, there are definitely things that can be improved, as reflected in our recommendations.
This story is not yet over, but the Committee has fulfilled its obligation to Tynwald and the Manx taxpayer in examining what happened and in identifying what we expect to see to improve value for money in future projects.

Alongside a response from Government the report and the recommendations will be considered in Tynwald in February 2024.

The public can view the work of the Committee at its webpage.

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For further information contact:
Clerk to the Committee
Legislative Buildings, Douglas, IM1 3PW
Tel: (01624) 685500
Email: committees@tynwald.org.im