Roffey backs plan to look at harbours before next election

P&R had wanted to defer a report on the future operational and commercial harbour infrastructure requirements until the next States term, but an amendment from Deputy John Dyke at last week's States meeting, which deputies supported by 19 votes to 16, has brought that forward.

P&R president Deputy Peter Ferbrache has described that decision as ‘impractical, unachievable and absolutely pointless’.

Deputy Peter Roffey said this report was separate to the £90m. Pool Marina project, which sat with STSB.

His committee now intends to bring a policy letter on that subject in the next few months.

‘By contrast the work on the future of Guernsey’s commercial ports now sits with P&R.

‘They were due to report back by the end of last year, but that didn’t happen.’

He said that he had no idea if P&R would actually be able to bring an informed policy letter back to the States this term.

‘But I do think it is important to maintain momentum.

'With this in mind I was happy to support the Dyke amendment which removed the presumption that no such decision would happen until the next term.’

‘The lack of any decision on this subject has blighted so many projects from income generation opportunities to coastal defences,’ he said.

‘It is therefore crucial that the States faces up to making a decision on this matter at the earliest opportunity.’