MHKs question whether horse tram costs are a 'bit of a nonsense'

MHKs have questioned the cost of reinstating the horse tram tracks along the full length of Douglas Promenade with one saying it's a ‘bit of a nonsense’.

The Department of Infrastructure is now claiming it could cost up to £3 million to lay the section between the War Memorial and the Sea Terminal.

More than £1 million of that is contingency funding.

Former DoI minister, and Rushen MHK, Michelle Haywood and Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby told Manx Radio they’re not convinced by the figures:

In a statement, provided to Manx Radio, the Department of Infrastructure said: “The current design was undertaken in 2023 and detailed cost estimates were made with a 10 percent contingency.

"The estimated costs were refreshed in June 2025 to reach the previous £1.89 million figure.

"The costs were subsequently reviewed again by Quantity Surveyors in April 2026 and incurred a significant increase due to inflationary pressures largely caused by the recent global events.  

"After a review from Treasury the contingency on the project has also been significantly increased in line with Treasury’s suggestions and the volatile global financial climate."

At the June sitting of Tynwald the Department of Infrastructure intends to lay a Motion before Tynwald asking:That Tynwald notes the draft business case for the reinstatement of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal and the likely cost of up to £3 million and supports its progress through the capital project procedures in accordance with financial regulations.

The DoI missed the deadline for this item to be included on the Register of Business and the Order Paper. 

The President of Tynwald has given special permission for it to appear on a Supplementary Order Paper for the June sitting.

Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby and Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood have both announced their intention to stand for re-election in September’s General Election.

Sarah Maltby is the only candidate to have declared for Douglas South so far.

Also standing in Rushen are Michael Crowe, Laurence Vaughn-Williams and Simon Williams.

You can find out more HERE.