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Harbour Users Association pleased with Peel marina plans

Questions remain, though

The Isle of Man Harbour Users Association says it's pleased something, at long last, is going to be done about silt removal in Peel marina.

It's believed around 44,000 tonnes of material need to be taken out, as some berths are in danger of becoming unusable.

The association says it has some concerns about how long the project could take, but understands it may not be possible to complete the work in one season, as the amount which needs to be taken out is a great deal more than previously estimated.

Some questions still need to be answered, though, as far as the association's chair, Eddie Kaighin, is concerned.

Mr Kaighin has written to Tim Baker MHK, who has responsibility for the Island's harbours.

He says members want to know what the Department of Infrastructure plans to do to prevent the bulk of silt and detritus and floating debris washing down the River Neb and into the marina in future.

The association also says it believes a great deal of the silt and practically all the debris comes from the river banks.

Therefore, it wants to know why there isn't a representative from Manx Utilities (which is responsible for river bank maintenance) on the Peel Marine Project Board.

Finally, Mr Kaighin asks what future plans the department has to maintain advertised depths in the marina, post-dredging.

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