Minister unhappy at timing of new baggage facility

Wed, 14 Mar 2012

The Infrastructure Minister says he's not happy that a new baggage facility costing almost £3million needs to be installed at the airport.

David Cretney says the timing for replacing the current outbound baggage facility isn't ideal, and that Tynwald members are also unhappy with the cost.

New EU regulations means Ronaldsway must install a more advanced range of x-ray machines or lose its domestic UK airport status.

Airport bosses had hoped the current machines could be modified to meet the new EU standards, but the manufacturer announced in September that the machines would need replacing.

Mr Cretney says the new regulations are in place to improve security [play clip]

Tynwald members will vote on whether to approve funding for the scheme at this month's sitting of the Island's parliament.