Issues relating to IRIS dominated proceedings in Tynwald, on what seems to have been a pivotal day of decision making for the troubled multi-million pound scheme.

Members began by approving recommendations from a consultant's report, that the north and west of the Island should have separate treatment plants.

The consulatants, Mouchel Parkman of Liverpool, claimed the revised strategy would save ?15 million in capital expenditure, as well as ?1.2 million a year in operating costs.

Meanwhile, North Douglas MHK John Houghton claimed a sum of ?6.25 million, sought by Transport Minister David Anderson in a supplementary vote, had already been paid, without approval.

Despite this, Tynwald granted the funds to help settle the final account on the Meary Veg treatment plant.

Prior to voting the Court rejected a proposed amendment from Mr Houghton, who called for the figure to be broken up, with separate votes on the various costs.

Previously, Laggan Construction, formerly Charles Brand Limited, had made a ?9 million claim against the Manx Government for contract changes they were required to undertake at White Hoe and Meary Veg.

After a lengthy legal wrangle that figure was reduced and the approved funding will, to a large extent, meet the cost of the claim.

Next, approval was given to Mr Anderson's request for ?2.5 million to buy homes at White Hoe affected by the scheme.

The sum will compensate residents who have been subjected to unacceptable levels of noise and vibration.

Members debated at length whether the taxpayer should have to rectify the problems and, as Mr Houghton put it, 'let yet another contractor off the hook.'

But eventually the motion was passed by a considerable margin, after widespread consensus to move the matter on for the sake of White Hoe residents.

The Court also approved just over ?1 million to fund the construction of a new pumping station at Mount Murray.