[Kharon]

P2 – “Q/ Is the term 'project of concern' code for dead, buried and/or cremated?”

One could be forgiven for thinking that NX, Gallacher and the rest of the RRAT committee have spotted the obscenity and spoiled the game. They have certainly followed the breadcrumbs on the Pie-in-the-Sky deal. That whole story needs to be stripped down to the bare bones and told to the voting public. Do we ‘need’ a new ATC system? We probably do but to justify the outlandish costs we need to see some demonstrated benefits; like an overall reduction in delays, particularly holding times and traffic movement increase. But above all the amount of money involved demands absolute transparency and the idea of progressively raising the bar until only the ‘right’ tenderer fits the profile must be prohibited – without clear justification for knocking out the contestants half way through. This means transparent tender documents which clearly define the game – before the entry fee is paid.

The real life project of concern is honesty and transparency in process; i.e. no more dodgy little side deals, winks, nudges, bags of sweeties or nights with someone’s sister as part of the game plan.  

Toot toot.