The Isle of Man Heavy Horse Society has declared its support for reinstating the Douglas Promenade Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal.
The society says the full route is vital both for the island’s heritage and for the long‑term welfare of heavy horses.
In a letter to Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK, the Society said it welcomed the Department of Infrastructure’s business case for funding the missing section, which had been expected to go before Tynwald in May but did not meet the deadline for the Register of Business.
A Sound Investment
The Society said restoring the line from the MER terminus to the Sea Terminal represented “a sound investment” in one of the Island’s most distinctive heritage assets and an important part of the tourism offer.
On the horses themselves, the Society stressed that the tramway plays a significant role in preserving heavy horse breeds by providing a sustainable, welfare‑focused structure for breeding, working and retirement.
It added that the operation helps maintain the specialist knowledge, equipment and facilities required to care for these increasingly rare animals.
The letter also referenced figures highlighted by historian Charles Guard, suggesting a notable drop in passenger numbers since trams stopped running to the Sea Terminal.
The Society said this underlined the tramway’s contribution to the island’s visitor economy and its value as a unique selling point.
