A plan by Phil Gawne's Department of Infrastructure to abandon the Loch Promenade section of the historic Douglas Horse Tramway suffered a setback in Tynwald this afternoon. Recommendation 6 "That a new single line Tramway track be laid from Derby Castle to the War Memorial as part of a Douglas Promenade highway scheme" was amended following an intervention by South Douglas MHK Bill Malarkey (INSET ABOVE) - a move that may see the vital link with the sea terminal retained - or will it?
"MR MALARKEY: My very short amendment, Mr President, purely seeks to remove the words "War Memorial" and insert "Sea Terminal" because at least going forward to the next Minister or this Minister, the option will be there to lay the lines. Now, we've had the reassurance from the Minister the facility will be there for that to happen but I believe it has to be put into this motion going forward today."
Minister Gawne has been rather vague about the so-called Loch Prom Horse Tram 'corridor' - which appeared up until very recently to be the REJECTED walkway scheme thrown out as a result of ferocious opposition at a planning inquiry. Is this what was being referred to in the Minister's 'assurance'?
For if this is the case, with Members voting on the basis of Mr Gawne's 'assurance' referred to in Mr Malarkey's amendment - then actually, as it stands, the hopes embodied in Mr Malarkey's amendment remain a non-starter unless the Department of Infrastructure's road scheme (16/00379/B) currently awaiting judgement by the planners is substantially modified.
Whilst clearly the intention of the House is that the full line be retained - a good thing - it remains to be seen how this might be achieved under the present proposals.
The other recommendations (BELOW) were passed.
FULL LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation 1
That Tynwald supports the Department of Infrastructure operating the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway for 2017 and 2018.
Recommendation 2
That the Department of Infrastructure progress discussions with Douglas Borough Council regarding the transfer of ownership of Strathallan tram depot to the Department in its current state for a nominal amount.
Recommendation 3
That the Department works with Douglas Borough Council to facilitate the transfer of ownership of horses and trams initially to the Department of Infrastructure, prior to transfer to the proposed new governance vehicle.
Recommendation 4
That following transfer of ownership the Department undertake limited minor capital works to address urgent repairs to Strathallan tram depot to provide a temporary combined stables and tram depot.
Recommendation 5
That the business case for continuation of the Tramway and a new combined facility on the site of either the Strathallan tram depot or Derby Castle continue to be evaluated during the 2017 and 2018 Tramway operations.
Recommendation 6 - later amended as described.
That a new single line Tramway track be laid from Derby Castle to the War Memorial as part of a Douglas Promenade highway scheme.
Recommendation 7
That a legal body be established to provide a suitable vehicle to receive charitable donations to the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
Recommendation 8
That further investigation be undertaken regarding the governance of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway by a new arm’s length vehicle.