SPENDING of more than £400 million on capital projects across North Ayrshire has been rubber-stamped by councillors.

The cash-strapped authority says it wants to invest in the area's future by supporting communities and residents.

More than a quarter of the cash in North Ayrshire Council's capital investment budget for the next 10 years is being spent on education, with projects including the new Ardrossan Academy and Montgomerie Park Primary in Irvine among those on which £111.7m will be spent.

 

Also earmarked in the plan are £38m on road improvements, £22m on flood prevention works and £29.6m on the upgrading of the B714 between Saltcoats and Dalry following a successful application to the UK Government Levelling Up Fund.

A further £25.9m will go on 'vehicle and plant capital investment' between now and 2033-34, with decarbonisation of the council's vehicle fleet a key aim.

 

Specific capital investment of £2.4m is planned for cemetery infrastructure over the next decade.

Councillors were told at the local authority's budget meeting that increasing inflation and increased costs for construction materials have had an impact on the capital plan but the budget has been managed to ensure it will continue to deliver "ambitious and regenerative projects".

Councillor Christina Larsen, cabinet member for finance and procurement, said: “There’s no doubt that times are tough and we face financial challenges.

“But that doesn’t stop us being ambitious for North Ayrshire and being able to invest in major projects which will bring positive change for our residents.

“While our revenue budget pays for day-to-day council services, the capital budget allows us to make significant investment into North Ayrshire – everything from roads to new-build projects.

“Our capital programme also has a strong emphasis on protecting our environment as we continue our journey to net zero. 

“It includes significant investment into our new solar PV farms at Shewalton and Nethermains, and a significant overhaul of the council’s fossil fuelled vehicles, replacing them with electric vehicles and more environmentally sustainable fleet solutions.”

Other major projects in the programme are the Great Harbour in Irvine and plans to develop marine tourism facilities in North Ayrshire.