Work to restore the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway could begin within the next year, the infrastructure minister has said.
Tim Crookall told the House of Keys that the business case for the project is currently under review and, if approved by Tynwald, work would commence within 12 months and take approximately 40 weeks.
Asked by MHK Jason Moorhouse whether any work would take place before the Tynwald debate, Mr Crookall replied: “It’s a case of waiting.”
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Mr Moorhouse raised concerns about a national newspaper advertisement promoting the “full journey” on the tramway, despite the service only operating on part of the promenade.
He asked whether steps were being taken to ensure visitors were aware of the situation.
Mr Crookall said he had “no idea” about the source of the advert, but Onchan MHK Julie Edge said the advertisement was not new and went out every year.
Mrs Edge also asked whether foundation work had been carried out under the grassed area near the War Memorial to allow for future tramway extension.
Mr Crookall confirmed: “I believe there has been some preparation work done underneath that grass area that leads up towards the other end of the War Memorial.”
Dr Michelle Haywood, the former DoI minister who did a lot of work to get the scheme to this point, asked whether plans for the tramway would accommodate changes to bus passenger facilities around the Sea Terminal.
Mr Crookall said: “Those secret plans all linking together.”