Further to last week’s sitting of Tynwald (Tuesday, July 18th) which included two questions concerning the future of the Island’s priceless and unique heritage railways, the Hansard has now been published. The relevant questions are numbered 4 & 13 on the order paper.
It will be noted that Alf Cannan - Chief Minister/DOI Minister, failed to offer any reassurances as regards the future operation of the Manx Electric Railway, Isle of Man Steam Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway in full. The Tynwald questions and subsequent responses from the current Chief Minister of the isle of Man can be read HERE in full.
Readers can form their own judgment as to whether Mr. Cannan's answers to Keys questions were 'convincing or unconvincing'.
The Manx Electric Railway Society urges all those
concerned for the future of the Island's railways to complete an online survey. Closing Date:13th August 2023
As has already been well documented, the Island’s Heritage Railways are currently the subject of a major review being undertaken by SYSTRA, which could have serious implications for their future. “The 'Heritage Railways Independent Review and Economic Impact Assessment will aim to address key questions about the value of the heritage railways, and how the benefits arising from their operation compare to the costs.”
“The operating model of the heritage railways as a publicly owned and operated entity will also be examined, along with their location within the Department of Infrastructure and future potential use of the railways and railway lines.”
Today, as part of the review process, a public consultation has been launched. “This consultation is about developing an understanding of who uses the heritage rail network and why, and what is considered the most important factor in their operation...”
The the survey can be accessed at: https://consult.gov.im/infrastructure/iomhr-review...
The closing date for all submissions is 13th August 2023.
Further details can be obtained by contacting Joanne Taylor, Head of Corporate Services & Change Projects, Central Support & Change who can be contacted by telephone on +44 (0) 1624 68665 or e-mail [email protected].
What do you think ? Let the MERS know at: [email protected]