Conclusion 7

While it is for island communities themselves to determine whether fixed links should progress, we welcome the UK Government’s open mind to projects. The UK Government should actively engage with any proposals progressed by those communities and give serious consideration to the support it could offer them. However, in doing so, it must recognise that fixed links are unlikely to be viable on the basis of economic return alone. In assessing any potential support, the UK Government should ensure that its appraisal of any projects fully captures the social and cultural benefits they could deliver, recognising that limited direct economic return on investment does not necessarily limit their worthiness. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61) 28