A campaign group wants to explore whether the historic railway line between Douglas and Peel could one day be brought back into use.

The Douglas to Peel Railway Feasibility Group was formed ahead of the General Election to ask candidates whether they would support an investigation into the possibility of reviving the route.

The former railway line is now used as the Heritage Trail, providing a walking and cycling route between the two towns.

Oliver Kensington, who formed the group, told Isle of Man Today that it was still in its very early stages and was primarily intended to start a community conversation about the future of the route.

‘I formed the group after developing an interest in the old railway line and seeing the excellent work volunteer groups do across the Isle of Man,’ he said.

‘People often talk about the old Peel line and suggest it would make a great heritage attraction, so I think it's at least worth having that conversation as a community.

‘It may come to nothing, but there's no harm in looking properly at the idea.’

The No.8 Fenella arriving at Crosby Station in August 1964 (Photo: D J Mitchell/Colour Rail)
The No.8 Fenella arriving at Crosby Station in August 1964 (Photo: D J Mitchell/Colour Rail) (-)

Mr Kensington said rising fuel costs and increasing traffic congestion also raised questions about whether the route could have a role beyond its current use as a cycleway and footpath.

He said: ‘That raises a fair question: could this route play a role in the island's transport policy beyond its current use as a cycleway and footpath?’

The group also believes the route could potentially play a role in future transport infrastructure, including the need for a new TT Access Road.

Mr Kensington said there was a need to consider whether ‘part of this route could contribute to that’, particularly following congestion experienced during this year’s Manx Grand Prix.

The TT access road, between Quarterbridge and Braddan Bridge - (Isle of Man Newspapers)

However, he stressed that the group was not calling for public money to be spent on reopening the railway.

‘This is not a call for Government to spend taxpayers' money on this railway,’ he said.

‘However, any scheme would need Government engagement, since they are the landlord of the trackbed, and cooperation would likely be needed around the legislative framework and planning conditions.’

The group has carried out some initial research, including reviewing existing legislation and reports such as a Systra report commissioned by Government into the island’s existing heritage railways.

It wants any future feasibility study to consider a range of possibilities, from a modern commuter railway to a community-operated heritage line.

Mr Kensington said the route could potentially be considered in sections rather than necessarily as a single Douglas-to-Peel railway.

‘It might cover the whole route from Douglas to Peel, or there may be scope to focus on part of it, say from St John's to Peel,’ he said.

The group has also suggested a volunteer-led model, drawing comparisons with the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust in Ramsey.

Mr Kensington said the island already had successful volunteer-run attractions, including heritage railways, but added that any new proposal should not come at their expense.

The group is also calling for the existing trackbed and infrastructure to be protected in case the railway is ever considered for reinstatement.

It wants future utility works to avoid making the route more difficult or expensive to reuse, while also seeking protection from development that could compromise the former railway corridor.

Mr Kensington said the group would like utilities currently beneath the trackbed to be laid alongside the route, or rerouted, when they eventually require renewal.

The group is now inviting members of the public to share their views and ideas about the proposal.

You can contact them via email: [email protected] or search for Douglas to Peel Railway Feasibility Group on Facebook.