New �6.5m tower plan for airport

The new tower could be operational by 2010

Plans are being made to replace the Isle of Man's airport air traffic control tower, which is "struggling to cope" with increased air traffic.

Minister for Transport David Anderson MHK wants approval from Tynwald for �6.5m to build a new tower.

If given the go ahead, work on the new 35m (155ft) high building at Ronaldsway could begin as early as next month.

The current tower is in a poor location for visibility, and there are also health and safety issues for workers.

The new tower would cost about �3.8m to build, with about �1.8m needed for equipment and �800,000 for commissioning and other fees.

Work could be completed around November next year with the tower becoming operational early in 2010.

'Strong case'

The Isle of Man government said the existing control tower was "in very poor condition and its life had expired".

Ann Reynolds, airport director, said: "It is clear that even if the building fabric were fully restored, the operational and space problems would remain.

"There is, therefore, a strong case for the provision of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility built to modern standards.

"Safety and operational efficiency would be improved and working conditions for controllers would be greatly enhanced."

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