Airport Expansion updated 08-02-08
The Department of Transport will as Tynwald for £41 million for the runway extension at Ronaldsway, Isle of Man Airport.
The £41 million will be spent on a rock armoured promontory, which will run about 245 metres into the sea, the resurfacing, strengthening, and extension of the existing runway and some taxiways.
One of the key opposers is Peter Karran MHK who has questioned the need for such expansion and in the House of Keys this Tuesday 12th February 2008 Graham Cregeen MHK for Malew and Santon, will ask whether there is evidence of the need for it from scheduled airlines currently using the airport.
Concern was shown earlier in the week, when Peter Karren MHK raised the issue in the House of Keys, saying that Sumburgh airport in the Shetlands, who have had a similar structure built, was damaged during storms last month, and he stated his concerns over whether the planned extension at Ronaldsway would be at risk from extreme weather.
Transport Minister David Anderson said he was aware that Sumburgh airports runway promontory, which juts into the sea, was damaged by weather rated at storm force 10 to 11. ‘ We are waiting for a review to consider the implications for planned developments at Ronaldsway’ said Mr Anderson.
He added that no damage was caused to the runway surface.
Mr Anderson said that although Ronaldsway design was similar, there where differences in terms of the depth of the sea and other conditions which also have to be taken into consideration.
Models of the design had been made and tested and Mr Anderson said he was confident that if the Ronaldsway scheme to go ahead it would be correct for the location.
Mr Anderson said that such testing had not been done before the Shetland runway promontory was constructed.
Reports in the Shetland Times said that part of the runway was washed away by the sea during storms on January 4th and 5th 2008. The newspaper reported that the runway was out of use most of Saturday the 5th and a major operation was undertaken to clear debris from the runway and replace rock armouring, which acts as a barrier to sea erosion, which had been smashed, the runway surface was left strewn with seaweed and the storm also caused potholes.
Residents said it was the worst storm they had experienced in 40 years.
Thanks to Manx Radio and the Isle of Man examiner for the above reports.