More than $1.6 million will be put into the Department of Marine and Ports owing to America’s Cup overruns, according to Walter Roban.

The Deputy Premier and transport minister told the House of Assembly that additional ferries during the event — along with the cost of the Millennium ferry — the department’s fuel and overtime budget are “largely depleted”.

“The department will require additional funding in the amount of $1,674,440,” he said.

“This is absolutely necessary to enable the ferry and tug boat service level schedules for the remainder of the fiscal year. The funds cannot be obtained elsewhere in the department or ministry’s budget allocation and, as such, a supplementary estimate has already been placed before the House.”

He also said that the department would be recruiting staff to ensure the fleet maintains its Lloyd’s of London class certification.

In a subsequent statement, Mr Roban said the Government is working to address issues facing the island’s bus system.

“The difficult economic times encountered in recent years and decisions made on spending priorities have resulted in an overall lack of investment in material and human resources,” he said.

“Most unfortunately, this means that DPT is unable to provide the published and expected bus service despite the hardworking efforts of its staff.

“Notwithstanding, DPT has, and will, continue to put into place short-term remedies while at the same time working towards long-term effective solutions.”

In addition to four new buses already ordered, he said the Office of Project Management and Procurement is reviewing a Request for Proposal seeking tenders for eight additional buses.

One Bermuda Alliance MP Grant Gibbons, the former economic development minister, asked whether Mr Roban was aware of a Memorandum of Understanding with ACBDA for ferry services during the event.

Mr Roban said he was aware of an MOU, but did not know how much was paid to the Department under the agreement.

• To read Mr Roban’s statements in full, click on the PDFs under “Related Media”