Island considers buying traction engines

Bord Na Mona looking to dispose of assets

Isle of Man Railways says it is looking at the possibility of getting small engineering traction engines, no longer required by the Irish peat cutting operation, onto the Island.

Bord Na Mona is to stop using peat for power generation by 2030, and the railway says that could create an opportunity.

It's understood the traction engines are small and could work on the Manx rails without any modification.

The department says it's constantly looking to improve efficiencies in its engineering operations, and the engines could improve services such as track maintenance, vegetation management and fire response.

Diesel engines can get to the site of track-side fires quickly, as they don't need to get steamed-up and travel quicker.

As for cost, it's believed because Bord Na Mona is looking to dispose of assets no longer required, any engines could be bought at below market value.