Recommendations drawn from a review of the Isle of Man’s heritage rail network include the need for a clear long-term strategy, a call to place improved focus on attracting tourists and an evaluation of how the network may be developed.
Compiled by independent consultants Systra, Heritage Railway Review: Recommendations is available to view and download.
Its publication precedes the full review, which is in the process of being finalised and will be published in due course.
General recommendations and observations
After undertaking both stakeholder engagement and public consultation work, Systra says that the support given to them “highlighted the passion and enthusiasm that exists for the railways both amongst the general public, supporters groups and railway staff”.
It said that it is “clear” that the railways have continued to positively progress across a number of areas since the previous review undertaken in 2018.
Adding that “since around 2010 the railways can be seen to have been in a protracted period of recovery from sustained underinvestment. This phase is beginning to draw to a close with an enhanced infrastructure and a good understanding of costs”.
It recommends that this “maintains the understanding of asset condition and costs that allows the railway to be managed in a stable way, but moves towards understanding what is needed to further enhance the visitor experience with the ultimate aim of increasing revenue and passenger numbers”.
DOI
Commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) in May 2023, a draft version of the report was delivered in mid-October in response to the agreed terms of reference.
The overall intention is to produce an accurate analysis of the true value of the railway to the economy and wider society, and consider whether the railways are being operated efficiently and with a suitable governance structure.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK said: “I’m aware the consultants’ findings have been eagerly awaited by the Manx public and rail enthusiasts alike and it’s appropriate that this information is made available.
“The recommendations published today will provide the Department and wider community with a firm base from which to view the railways’ current position and then plan their future development.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK
“The document supplies a series of key insights that will inform discussions with colleagues across the Isle of Man Government once the full report has been received in the coming weeks.”
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