Port of Ness Access Road Statement

First printed in 'Fios', 29/08/2021

Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn(UOG) has confirmed it is still planning to undertake remedial work at the Port of Ness access road as soon as possible.

The process has become more complex than was originally expected and there have been a number of delays that have arisen in working through the various preparatory stages. Unfortunately, the planning application is taking longer than the standard eight-week period and a decision is awaited from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. In the meantime, UOG proceeded to obtain tenders but, disappointingly, did not receive any proposals from contractors that it could accept. After approaching a range of contractors, only two tenders were received, one of which was unaffordable as it was in excess of £100,000 and the other contained an alternative design for the works that was contrary to the information submitted with the planning application.

UOG intends to invite contractors to submit tenders again once planning permission has been granted, and will be seeking additional funding, as the costs now appear to be well above the original budget.