With recent storms dredging up more radiation on Dalgety Bay beach, the local MP wants assurances from the MoD that money will be available to complete long-awaited remediation work.
Stephen Ritchie from the MoD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation told members of South and West Fife area committee the constant monitoring of the site hit by radiation from dumped Second World War aircraft had found a “significant” piece.
As is the procedure all new finds were quickly removed but with work not due to start until spring 2019, the concern was that the original estimate to solve the long-running problem will have risen.
With tenders for the work being issued soon, Mr Ritchie explained the costs of the expansive scheme would go for ministerial approval.
But there were fears long delays in the scheme might have seen costs soar.
“The biggest hurdle is getting ministerial approval,” he said, adding it was outside the normal MoD project parameters.
Lesley Laird MP, who is also the local Labour councillor, has written to the Defence Minister seeking assurances sufficient money is available to complete the delayed project.
She said, with the project two years behind the planned timetable, the question of a fresh budget, which will require sign-off from Defence Minister Gavin Williamson, was raised.
The tender process is expected to be concluded by the end of this year or early next year with a planned start date of spring 2019.
The Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP said: “I am pleased that this long-standing issue for the community continues to make progress.
“But clearly the quality of the restoration will rest on the availability of appropriate budget and I will now be writing to the Minister to ensure that the estimated budget costs, put together two years ago, will be upgraded to reflect the time delay and the changing market conditions that will undoubtedly affect the price of completing this project.
“I will be seeking early assurances from the Minister that the appropriate level of money will be put in the budget to ensure that this project delivers a quality outcome and the long-term reassurance that the community needs and deserves.”
