Politics
Gov Appoints Major Project Boss
The Major Projects Board has been created to provide CoMin with increased oversight and control over the approval and subsequent delivery of capital projects costing more than £3m
Barry O’Driscoll will be the first chair of the Major Projects Board, following his appointment as a Treasury spad.
The Major Projects Board has been created to provide CoMin with increased oversight and control over the approval and subsequent delivery of capital projects costing more than £3m, this follows a succession of schemes which have gone well over budget and behind schedule.
Barry, who lives in Gloucestershire, is a civil engineer and senior business leader with more than 25 years’ experience of civil engineering design and construction, predominantly in the UK infrastructure sector. He currently sits on the Irish government’s Major Projects Advisory Group and is an independent advisor to the UK’s National Highways among other such strategic roles.
He said: ‘I’m really looking forward to assisting the Isle of Man Government deliver better outcomes from its diverse portfolio of projects. The establishment of the Major Project Board is an important first step in this process, and I will be working with Treasury colleagues to ensure the Board has all the required skills and experience to benefit these projects.’
The Major Projects Board will provide advice and commentary on departments’ proposals, including a commercially-focussed review of critical elements, and then monitor cost and delivery.
Responsibility for project delivery will remain with departments in all cases with the Project Management Unit in the DoI continuing to provide support on some schemes (don’t boo).
Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson added: ‘This administration recognised that the way the Isle of Man Government handles high-value schemes needed improved scrutiny and greater expertise, and changes are now being made which will deliver better outcomes for our community.
‘The appointment of a chairman with Mr O’Driscoll’s experience and knowledge will place the Major Projects Board on a solid footing, and I’m very much looking forward to working with him.’
