Infrastructure minister defends scrapped Ramsey flood defence scheme with no alternative currently planned

Tim Crookall says DOI committed to fresh review of options following local opposition

The infrastructure minister has defended the decision to scrap the proposed Ramsey flood defence scheme, confirming that “no alternative plans” are currently in place.

Tim Crookall says the Department of Infrastructure chose to “respect” the decision of Ramsey Commissioners, who objected to the scheme during the planning process.

As a result, the project will not proceed, and there are no immediate replacement proposals for flood protection in the town.

Mr Crookall says the department will now undertake a “full review” of the options previously considered, alongside its broader policy of following expert guidance on flood protection.

The review will include a detailed report assessing each option against factors such as “cost, environmental impact, the number of properties protected, residual flood risk, and wider social considerations including parking”.

The DOI says this review is intended to provide a “clear evidence base” to inform any future decisions.

In the meantime, temporary flood defences will remain in place.

The DOI says flood pathways have been identified in areas such as West Quay, where properties have been demolished, with measures aimed at preventing water reaching Parliament Street.

The decision drew criticism from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper, who questioned the need for a further review, suggesting the options had already been assessed as part of the original scheme.

In response, Mr Crookall said the project lacked sufficient support from businesses, residents, and the commissioners. He stressed he would not “impose” a scheme or commit public funds to a project that the community “did not want”.

The minister added that stakeholders had been encouraged to raise objections through the planning process and said it would be inappropriate to proceed in light of that opposition.

Mr Crookall maintains he is willing to work with constituents to find a way forward, but stressed that any future approach must have local backing.