An Alderney representative hopes “snakes and ladders politics” will end when the Policy & Resources Committee publishes its final plans for the island’s new runway.
Guernsey’s senior political committee has announced it will bring a final option to the States before the end of the year.
Alderney’s Policy & Finance Committee has considered two options so far – submitted by Associated Asphalt and Ronez Ltd.
But leaders in Guernsey say “further work is needed to design the runway before engagement can begin with contractors to fully evaluate and work through the technical detail.
They said it was a key step to allow the new-look airport to be licenced in line with aviation regulations – a decision which is made by the local Director of Civil Aviation.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of P&R, said it remained committed to delivering a functional airport for the northern island.
£460,000 has been earmarked to carry out patch repairs to the tarmac in the interim, with the licence for the runway due to expire at the end of the year.david earl
Alderney Representative in the States Alex Snowdon said he looked forward to seeing the detail and welcomed “seeing spades in the ground rather than continuing the snakes-and-ladders politics that have long surrounded this project”.
Plans to upgrade Alderney’s runway and wider airport have been repeatedly delayed despite being considered end of life due to parliamentary disagreements and rising costs.
The States agreed in December 2022 to extend the length and width of the runway and rebuild the terminal and fire station to allow for larger ATR aircraft to serve the island.
But this was scrapped after it was revealed that the costs had risen by 50% over the maximum funding approved by the Assembly.
P&R was directed to bring costed plans back to the States in April.
Aurigny has since decided to replace the Dornier aircraft which currently serve Alderney with Twin Otters – spelling an end to its wish to standardize its fleet to one type of aircraft and the need for a longer runway.
Representative Snowdon said “it is vital that we see the Alderney runway project progress swiftly.
“After years of debate, time is truly running out for this much-needed Bailiwick infrastructure project. The ongoing uncertainty is having a significant impact on both our economy and our community.”
Deputy de Sausmarez said P&R “recognises the urgency of this project and its importance in maintaining public confidence in Alderney.
“The States of Alderney’s constructive input has been invaluable, particularly through its representative on the Project Board. We look forward to continued collaboration with Alderney to deliver the project as efficiently as possible, including looking at options such as joint funding, resulting in infrastructure that serves the Bailiwick’s interests.”
Discussions are ongoing.