Politics
DoI ‘Needs Overhaul’
Chamber has issued a statement following the sacking of Chris Thomas
The Chamber of Commerce has added to the growing number of voices to call for a major shakeup of the gov’s most troublesome department.
Chamber has issued a statement following the sacking of Chris Thomas, an event which overshadowed the final Tynwald sitting of the summer.
In a statement, the Chamber said that the DoI needs a ‘complete overhaul and most importantly a change in the culture and mindset within the department’.
It added: ‘The DoI needs a complete overhaul and, most importantly, a change in the culture and mindset within the department. The purpose of the DoI should be to provide the Island’s long-term infrastructure needs to meet the demands of the general public, businesses, and visitors – and in doing so support our quality of life and growth of the economy.
‘A number of major concerns about the DoI have been raised in recent years. It’s clear that there was a failure by previous administrations to plan effectively for the future, so instead of the Department keeps on being dragged back by the legacy of that failure.
‘Ultimately, for the Department to fulfil its remit it needs to deliver on the Island’s long-term infrastructure needs, and deliver projects on time and within agreed budgets. This is clearly not happening right now. We would like to see a major overhaul of the department and a change in attitude so that there is greater involvement from, and collaboration with, all stakeholders who depend on DoI. Chamber would be happy to contribute this type of input from our wide range of knowledgeable business leaders.’
Responding to the post, Mr Thomas said there was ‘little specific in this statement but pleased to engage with your knowledgeable business leaders as improvement needs to be continuous’.
He added: ‘The purpose and values of DoI seem similar to those you suggest. Highways communication for instance is being showcased at Government Conference.
‘Structure is being transitioned. An example is new Isle of Man Airport shadow board, recruitment to which should be launched shortly. Major Projects Board is established. DoI is first department to appoint NED and permanent chief officer. Ports and Transport already separated into parts for coherent analysis etc.
‘The departmental budget was balanced this year, despite being estimated as £25 million in deficit earlier in the year. If you mean IOM Ferry Terminal Liverpool as an overspent project you will know of course that designers, contractors, cost consultants and project managers are international private sector firms.’
While the planned arms-length operation at Ronaldsway is already proving controversial by some, the gov seems determined to go down that path. It is also widely expected that the DoI will be largely fragmented this summer and coming months.
