Iona Breakwater project costs rise 21.5% over original contract

The total cost of Iona’s Breakwater project is now approaching £18 million, 21.5 per cent higher than the original contract. The council dipped into its emergency fund to fund the project, having already seen costs balloon to £3 million over budget. A further £1.95 million was signed off under emergency powers to keep the project progressing and avoid escalating costs. The overspend was caused by a 22-month wait for a marine license, which delayed the start of construction. Work began months after scheduled and continued through winter where working hours are shorter. The project, which includes rebuilding the toilet block, repairing the slipway, and constructing a new breakwater, was originally budgeted at £14.8 million.