Fact Check: "HS2 bat structure's cost skyrocketed from £100 million estimate!"
What We Know
The claim regarding the cost of the bat protection structure associated with the HS2 project is based on statements made by Sir Jon Thompson, chairman of HS2 Ltd. He confirmed that a special barrier designed to protect rare bats will indeed cost £100 million. This barrier, which spans approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) alongside Sheephouse Wood in Buckinghamshire, is intended to prevent disturbances to bats from high-speed trains, despite claims that such trains do not interfere with bat activity (BBC).
Natural England, the government body responsible for wildlife protection, clarified that while it did not mandate the construction of this barrier, it provided feedback on the proposed mitigations (BBC). The decision to build the barrier was influenced by the need to comply with environmental regulations and to protect species such as Bechstein's bats, which are among the rarest in the UK (BBC).
Analysis
The assertion that the cost of the bat protection structure has "skyrocketed" to £100 million is substantiated by multiple sources, including direct quotes from Sir Jon Thompson. He described the barrier as a "shed" and expressed incredulity at its high cost, which he attributed to the complex regulatory environment surrounding major infrastructure projects in the UK (BBC).
Furthermore, the costs associated with the bat structure have reportedly increased over time due to various planning and design changes, including the need to accommodate local rail services (BBC). This aligns with broader concerns about the escalating costs of infrastructure projects in the UK, which have been exacerbated by the requirement for numerous consents from various public bodies—over 8,276 in the case of HS2 (BBC).
While some critics, including representatives from Buckinghamshire Council, have labeled the costs as excessive, they acknowledge the necessity of protecting endangered species as part of the project’s environmental obligations (BBC). The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include statements from official bodies and industry experts, providing a well-rounded view of the situation.
Conclusion
The claim that the HS2 bat protection structure's cost has reached £100 million is True. The evidence presented by credible sources confirms that this figure is accurate and reflects the complexities and regulatory challenges faced by the HS2 project. The high cost is attributed to the need for extensive environmental protections and compliance with legal requirements to safeguard rare species.
