Department of Infrastructure
123 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 366.7%
The Freedom of Information requests to the Isle of Man Department of Infrastructure reveal an authority that is selectively transparent, often prioritizing commercial confidentiality and administrative convenience over public scrutiny. A recurring theme is the 'black box' nature of major transport procurement; while the Department readily discloses the existence of projects like the Douglas Promenade or the purchase of Mercedes buses, it consistently withholds specific financial figures, citing commercial sensitivity (Cases 355921, 361167). Furthermore, the Department frequently relies on the 'information not held' exemption to avoid answering questions about specific costs for major events like the TT (Case 355883) or historical road adoptions (Case 355761), suggesting significant gaps in data retention and financial granularity.
Key Cases
Case 355857 — This case marks a critical turning point where the Department invoked the 'vexatious' exemption to block a series of requests regarding the Douglas Promenade and steam locomotives. It highlights the tension between persistent public scrutiny and the administrative burden, effectively shutting down a line of inquiry that had previously yielded partial results.
Case 355921 — A significant disclosure regarding the procurement of Mercedes buses, where the Department explicitly cited commercial sensitivity to withhold pricing and contract details. This case exemplifies the 'black box' nature of major transport spending, where the public knows buses were bought but not the specific financial terms.
Case 449033 — This case is notable for being 'Upheld - partial' following an internal review. The Information Commissioner found the Department had incorrectly applied a 'not held' exemption to the ZipTrip app costs, forcing a re-processing. It serves as a rare instance of the Department's initial refusal being challenged and corrected, revealing hidden financial data.
Case 355883 — The refusal to provide specific costs for TT (Tourist Trophy) road repairs, claiming they are not recorded separately from normal activities. Given the TT is the island's most significant economic event, the inability to isolate its infrastructure costs raises questions about financial accountability for major events.
Case 358461 — The complete withholding of information regarding a 2013 electric shock incident on the Manx Electric Railway due to 'ongoing legal proceedings.' This case underscores how legal risk is used as a blanket exemption to prevent the public from understanding the safety history of heritage transport.
Related FOI Stories
The Douglas Promenade: From Transparency to Vexatious Refusal — #355795, #355857, #355859, #355861, #355863
Commercial Secrecy in Transport Procurement — #355763, #355921, #361167, #355893, #356129
Data Gaps and 'Not Held' Defenses — #355761, #355773, #355883, #355895, #361191
Safety Incidents and Legal Exemptions — #358443, #358461, #355863, #355921, #548540
Housing and Social Welfare Opacity — #355805, #358449, #358451, #355925, #647165
All (123)
All information sent (451) ·
Some information sent but not all held (145) ·
Information not held (123) ·
Some information sent but part exempt (120) ·
No information sent - all held but exempt (53) ·
Not required to fulfill request (22) ·
Not upheld (12) ·
Upheld - partial (10) ·
Vexatious request (6) ·
Request lapsed - requested information not provided (5) ·
Withdrawn (3) ·
Upheld - full (1) ·
Neither confirm or deny information held (1) ·
| Date | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-18 | Local Authority FOI's submitted through DOI portal. | Information not held |
| The requester asked for a list of FOI request volumes, reference numbers, and subject titles submitted to local authorities via the Department of Infrastructure portal between March 2025 and February 2026. The Department of Infrastructure responded that it does not hold this information because it only provides technical support for the portal, while local authorities act as the data controllers. | ||
| 2026-02-04 | Contribution to NCAS by the Northern Local Authorities. | Information not held |
| The requester asked for financial contributions from Northern Local Authorities to the Northern Civic Amenity Site for three specific financial years. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting Ramsey Town Commissioners or reviewing individual authority accounts. | ||
| 2026-01-29 | Former Minister Comments - Castletown Governance | Information not held |
| A request for documents regarding governance failures and corruption allegations at Castletown Town Commissioners was largely refused as the Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold the specific briefing papers, audits, or policy assessments requested. | ||
| 2026-01-27 | Risk Assessments on wind | Information not held |
| The requester asked for a risk assessment regarding a mountain road closure due to wind on 27 January 2026, but the Department of Infrastructure stated they do not hold this information as the closure was instigated by the Isle of Man Constabulary. | ||
| 2026-01-15 | Bollard erected on a public right of way in Crosby | Information not held |
| A request was made for information regarding the approval and placement of a bollard on a public right of way in Crosby. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting Marown Commissioners instead. | ||
| 2025-12-23 | Historical Records for Former Douglas Bus Station Site and Surrounding | Information not held |
| A request was made for historical records regarding underground infrastructure at the former Douglas bus station site, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held. | ||
| 2025-11-18 | Dhoon Quarry | Information not held |
| The requester asked for documentation regarding the closure of Dhoon Quarry as a motorbike facility, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that no such records exist because the restriction was implemented via verbal instruction. | ||
| 2025-10-30 | ISLE OF MAN REGISTRATION SEQENCES | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the Department of Infrastructure's plan for vehicle registration sequences after the current 'TMN' series is exhausted. The authority responded that no such plans exist yet because the current series will last approximately five years. | ||
| 2025-10-08 | Local Authority Fixed Penalty Notices | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for data on local authority requests to revoke fixed penalty notices issued to elected Board Members since May 2025. The authority responded that the requested information is not held. | ||
| 2025-10-07 | Request on Land Alterations | Information not held |
| A request was made for land alteration filings and appeals regarding a proposed agricultural development on Mines Road, but the Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold the information as planning matters fall under the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. | ||
| 2025-10-03 | Psc payaward v non psc payaward | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for a comparison of percentage pay awards between PSC senior civil servants and non-PSC manual workers (bus drivers and cleaners) since 2012. The authority responded that the information is not held and suggested contacting the Office of Human Resources within The Cabinet Office instead. | ||
| 2025-09-11 | Liverpool Sailing Times | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the reasoning for changing Mannanan sailing times to Liverpool and for specific passenger figures and tidal data. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company instead. | ||
| 2025-08-04 | Ramsey Marina Design Work Budget | Information not held |
| The requester asked for details on funding and documentation regarding initial design work for a proposed Ramsey Marina between 2005 and 2025. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Public Records Office. | ||
| 2025-07-02 | Statistics on Road Traffic Safety Relating to Proposed 20mph Limits | Information not held |
| The requester asked for Isle of Man-specific data and impact assessments supporting the proposed 20mph speed limit rollout, but the Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold this information as the policy was mandated by Tynwald. | ||
| 2025-06-30 | Derby Square road and pavement last renewal | Information not held |
| A request was made for the exact dates of the last proper replacement of roads and pavements in Derby Square, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that this information is not held. | ||
| 2025-05-20 | EBME Service | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details regarding scissor lifts used by the air ambulance, including ownership, location, and servicing records. The authority responded that the information is not held and suggested contacting Manx Care instead. | ||
| 2025-04-16 | Use of DOI-Owned Land at Ramsey Harbour | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for records regarding land use, planning, complaints, and environmental impact at Ramsey Harbour. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information and suggested contacting other bodies. | ||
| 2025-04-15 | RTCs caused by vehicle defects | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for statistics on road traffic collisions caused by vehicle defects between 2022 and 2025. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Home Affairs instead. | ||
| 2025-03-18 | Terrorist incident prior to 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing at Airport | Information not held |
| A request was made for details regarding a suspected terrorist incident at Ronaldsway Airport in May 2017, including legal outcomes. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information as it falls under the remit of the Isle of Man Constabulary or Department of Home Affairs. | ||
| 2025-02-13 | Department Bonuses | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding bonuses paid to senior civil servants over the last 10 years and their pre-agreed objectives. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Public Services Commission instead. | ||
| 2025-01-29 | Correspondence with DOI Minister regarding Ramsey Town Clerk appt. | Information not held |
| A request was made for correspondence between the Department of Infrastructure Minister and the Ramsey Town Clerk appointment process in 2024. The authority responded that no such information is held. | ||
| 2025-01-28 | Overtime rates | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding overtime pay rates for Port Security Supervisors covering officer shifts, but the information was not disclosed because the relevant team and data transferred to the Department of Home Affairs. | ||
| 2025-01-28 | Port Security Officer overtime | Information not held |
| A request was made regarding overtime procedures for Port Security Officers and Supervisors, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held due to the team's transfer to the Department of Home Affairs. | ||
| 2025-01-27 | Laxey Public Shelter | Information not held |
| A request was made for details on complaints, maintenance costs, and future improvement plans for the Laxey Beach Public Shelter between 2020 and 2025. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold any of the requested information as the shelter is under the care of the Garff Commissioners. | ||
| 2025-01-27 | Nightshifts | Information not held |
| A request was made for the number of night shifts carried out by Port Security Supervisors over the last 6 to 10 years, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held. | ||
| 2025-01-07 | Peel Marina Gate | Information not held |
| A request was made for statistics regarding delays in opening the Peel Marina flap gate and swing bridge over the last 24 months. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held as the Harbours division does not retain relevant records. | ||
| 2024-11-18 | MT Buyout | Information not held |
| A request was made for all correspondence held by Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall regarding Manx Telecom's offer for a government buyout. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold the requested information. | ||
| 2024-10-25 | Information on housing occupancy for DoI managed housing | Information not held |
| A request was made for the number of sole occupants in 3+ bedroom properties managed by the Department of Infrastructure, but the authority stated the information is not held in an accessible format and would require excessive compilation to provide. | ||
| 2024-10-23 | Windfarms | Information not held |
| The requester asked the Department of Infrastructure for a cost-benefit analysis comparing the Orsted Offshore Windfarm and the Cairns Vie Onshore Windfarm. The department responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture instead. | ||
| 2024-10-22 | Flight Plan for private jet planes | Information not held |
| A request was made for the final destinations of private jet flights departing from Ronaldsway Airport between April and September 2024. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held, as they do not retain flight plans and cannot compile the data from billing systems. | ||
| 2024-09-20 | Where is mileage measured from | Information not held |
| A request was made to determine the specific starting points for mileage measurements on Isle of Man milestones, such as those in Douglas and Port Erin. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information because they do not own the milestones, only repairing them when damaged. | ||
| 2024-07-31 | Copies of Minutes of Meetings | Information not held |
| A request was made for meeting minutes from the last three years regarding a proposed runway extension at Jurby and a list of recipients. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold or could not find the requested information. | ||
| 2024-07-30 | Information related to the proposed runway at Jurby | Information not held |
| A request was made for details regarding the drafting of plans for a proposed runway at Jurby, including the organization involved, qualifications, and dates. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold the requested information. | ||
| 2024-07-02 | Vehicle speed monitoring Barregarrow Crossroads Kirk Michael | Information not held |
| A request was made for traffic flow and speed data at Barregarrow Crossroads on the A3, but the Department of Infrastructure confirmed they do not hold this information as no counters are currently installed at that location. | ||
| 2024-07-01 | Maintenance and plans for abandoned property | Information not held |
| A request was made regarding the maintenance, safety, and future plans for the abandoned Cooil Ny Marrey property in Ramsey. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting local housing committees instead. | ||
| 2024-05-07 | QE2 school changes | Information not held |
| A request was made for email communications between QE2 School and Bus Vannin regarding September 2023 timetable changes, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held. | ||
| 2024-02-27 | EV charging points in Government car parks | Information not held |
| 2024-02-07 | Qualifying factors for determining a specialised dept within JEGS | Information not held |
| 2024-01-22 | Steam Packet Evacuation Protocols | Information not held |
| 2024-01-17 | Draft North West Plan | Information not held |
| 2023-12-19 | Safe guarding of children | Information not held |
| 2023-12-06 | Proposed southern link road between A1 & A27 at Peel | Information not held |
| 2023-11-15 | Settled Employment Tribunals | Information not held |
| 2023-10-26 | Executive Pay at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company | Information not held |
| 2023-09-28 | Steam packet company | Information not held |
| 2023-08-29 | Planning Application 05/01515/B - Dinghy Park South Promenade Ramsey | Information not held |
| 2023-08-18 | Heritage Railways Proposals | Information not held |
| 2023-07-12 | HCB Minutes | Information not held |
| 2023-07-11 | Currently active and expired byelaws of Peel | Information not held |
| 2023-06-26 | Illegal camping on public roads | Information not held |
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