Hon Laurence David SKELLY MHK
|
The Minister for Economic Development (Mr Skelly): Gura mie eu, Eaghtyrane.
I will not go over all the points that have been made, but I would just first of all like to congratulate the Minister for bringing forward the Steam Packet and the horse trams in the same sitting – (Laughter)
But it is an important point, as the previous speaker just highlighted: it is not about the Steam Packet and it is not about the horse trams. The previous motions were about strategic sea services. As highlighted, we need a national maritime strategy around the sea services, and equally here, we are talking about strategy for Douglas Promenade. That is what you have got before you here: Douglas Promenade Options Review. Very important here: this is about agreeing and approving the principles.
The Minister stated in his opening statement that he will be coming back with financial plans and a design. We have already heard of everyone’s view about the design, whether we are going to keep the horse trams or not and how far. We have heard the history with regard to Douglas, and how they have masterfully actually put it into central Government’s hands. Quite frankly, I think it is a very good move. Why? Because we can have joined-up heritage railways.
I just want to pick up a couple of points. Following on, I think, from Mr Turner’s comments with regard to Manx National Heritage and their potential involvement with it. The motion in July stated that we would review – the Department would review – the governance and the operation of the horse trams in connection with heritage railways. I do believe that body of work should continue and understand exactly, does it sit right here in a Department or should it be at arm’s length in a heritage organisation? Whether it be a third sector or Manx National Heritage,
I would encourage that body of work to continue.
Several Members have, I think, highlighted the importance for tourism, and clearly as Minister for Economic Development, I would recognise the importance of this for tourism, but I think it is very important that we find a practical solution here. We absolutely must find a way forward.
This is not just about tourism; this is about the hospitality sector; this is about the retail sector; this is about the quality of life and the uniqueness of our offer. That is exactly what we have been doing when we market the Isle of Man.
We have heard Mrs Caine talk about what happened when they closed the MER between Laxey and Ramsey. It took five years nearly to rebuild those numbers and that economic benefit. And this is exactly what we need to do. We have had the stop-start situation where Douglas Corporation have turned around and landed it on our doorstep and we have been struggling ever since to find a solution. Now we have before us an opportunity to deal with that.
I would also highlight the point here about planning. That is where we have fallen foul in the past. The proposal and the principles before you avoid that issue and allow us to get on with this matter.
One other important point I would highlight is – and this was raised in the previous debate – the sea wall. If we are going to consider reconstruction of Douglas Promenade, we need to consider the environmental impact. We can preserve a nice new road, we can preserve the horse trams, but do you know what? We have got the environmental issue to consider. So I would like the Department to pick up the point with regard to the sea wall, to ensure that it will
be protected going forward.
So there is very little more I would like to add, but I would just like to say – as others have already said – it is time to come to a solution and a resolution here, and see if we can get on with it, because this administration does not want to hang around. It does not want to delay things any further. Let’s get on with it and support the Minister’s motion in front of us.
|
