Department of Infrastructure
120 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 375.8%
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 (120)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 | AIC Record Preservation Policies | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought policies regarding record preservation and deletion authority for Airport Identity Card (AIC) applications, specifically concerning disputes and legal proceedings. The Department of Infrastructure partially disclosed the 'Pass Office Programme' document (Version 7.0) but redacted specific sections citing Section 25 exemptions. | ||
| 2026-02-17 | Easyjet, Saturday am flight 14th February 2026 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought information regarding the operational status and staffing of Isle of Man Airport on the morning of February 15, 2026, specifically concerning a delayed Easyjet flight. The authority disclosed a partial Fire Service watch room log from February 14, 2026, detailing staffing changes and wildlife vehicle movements, but withheld other requested documents citing partial exemptions. | ||
| 2026-02-10 | Bus Shelter Costs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for detailed cost breakdowns of bus shelters constructed or replaced by the Department of Infrastructure between September 2021 and March 2026. The authority responded with a list of locations and work types but provided costs only in broad ranges to protect commercial sensitivity, rather than exact figures. | ||
| 2026-01-15 | Tender process | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought documentation regarding the tender process for leasing a redundant shed at Dhoon Quarry. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed email correspondence and an advertisement detailing the property's condition, rental terms, and the offer submission deadline, while redacting personal contact details and specific proposed uses under exemptions. | ||
| 2026-01-05 | Issue with cold weather at the airport | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for details on chemicals used for runway de-icing at Isle of Man Airport and any policy changes regarding winter operations. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the 'Winter Operations Manual' (Version 4.2) but withheld some information under exemptions. | ||
| 2025-12-17 | Status report of locomotive 16 "Mannin" received from Severn Valley Ra | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought a status report, correspondence, and restoration timeline for locomotive 16 'Mannin' from the Department of Infrastructure. The authority released partial correspondence regarding work progress and purchase orders but withheld specific costs and details under exemptions. | ||
| 2025-12-15 | Healthy and safety | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for health and safety reviews regarding motorcycle restrictions at Dhoon Quarry and other island quarries. The Department of Infrastructure provided some documentation but withheld specific information citing exemptions for personal data. | ||
| 2025-11-27 | Annual Rent Setting Query for Social Housing | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought discussions regarding Local Authorities' ability to autonomously increase social housing rents beyond Departmental prescriptions over the last 12 months. The response disclosed a new policy effective April 2026 allowing providers to increase rents by an additional 1% without approval, alongside CPI-based minimum increases and historical consultation data. | ||
| 2025-11-25 | Land Adjacent to Marine Biological Station | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on land agreements between the Department of Infrastructure and Delgatie Ltd regarding the area adjacent to the Marine Biological Station in Port Erin. The authority responded that some information was sent but part of the request was exempt, though the specific exemptions and disclosed details are not visible in the provided text. | ||
| 2025-11-18 | Public Rights of Way - Poyll Dooey, Ramsey | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made regarding the status of a Section 88 Highways Act application for public rights of way at Poyll Dooey, Ramsey. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the submission date and current status but withheld draft maps and orders under a policy formulation exemption. | ||
| 2025-11-17 | Personal Safety Measures for Housing Officers Conducting Home Visits | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought comprehensive safety policies and incident data for housing officers conducting home visits, but the response only disclosed a partial document regarding sharps and needle-stick injuries while withholding other requested information. | ||
| 2025-11-17 | Tynwald Member and government staff parking. | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought correspondence regarding the decision to charge Tynwald Members and government staff for parking between November 2024 and the present. The Department of Infrastructure released some documents but redacted portions citing exemptions related to personal data and ministerial communications. | ||
| 2025-10-28 | Consultation on proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1985 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for all submissions regarding amendments to the Local Government Act 1985 embodied in the 2023 Bill. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that no submissions were received from local authorities in summer 2025 but withheld a report on earlier consultations under a policy formulation exemption. | ||
| 2025-10-21 | FOI Request - Payments to UCM for Driving Theory Test Delivery | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for payment details and contracts between the Department of Infrastructure and University College Isle of Man regarding driving theory tests. The authority provided some information but withheld specific fee structures and pricing methodologies under commercial interest exemptions. | ||
| 2025-10-08 | Douglas Inner Harbour dredging | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for details on Douglas Inner Harbour dredging activities, including disposal locations, costs, and contractors, was partially fulfilled by the Department of Infrastructure. While disposal coordinates and historical silt quantities were provided, information regarding specific companies and costs was withheld under commercial interest exemptions. | ||
| 2025-09-08 | FOIA of all incidents/repairs of North Quay | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for all repairs, complaints, and incidents along North Quay between June 2005 and August 2015. The Department of Infrastructure provided some information but withheld personal data under absolute exemption. | ||
| 2025-09-08 | Fallen Stock and Animal Waste Processing Plant | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2025-08-18 | MHK parking | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought correspondence regarding the decision to charge Members of the House of Keys for parking, resulting in the disclosure of a policy document and emails confirming the introduction of fees from June 2025, though personal contact details were redacted. | ||
| 2025-08-18 | Poles | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for communications regarding pole installations for the 20mph rollout, resulting in the disclosure of internal emails and a stop work instruction, though some personal data was withheld under exemption. | ||
| 2025-06-23 | Burial Ground Rates | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for financial statements and revenue budget submissions for the Onchan Burial Ground Authority from 2017 to 2024. The Department of Infrastructure provided some budget documents but exempted personal data and directed the requester to the Tynwald Library for the financial statements. | ||
| 2025-06-05 | Oversight of SCAS Administrative Role of Port Erin Commissioners | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought documentation regarding the Department of Infrastructure's oversight of Port Erin Commissioners' administrative and HR roles at the Southern Civic Amenity Site. The response disclosed email correspondence between the Castletown and Rushen Clerks and the SCAS Board Clerk, revealing concerns over budget proposals and information flow, though the outcome indicates some information was exempt. | ||
| 2025-05-28 | Castletown Square shambles | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought internal notes and decision records regarding the permanent closure of Castletown Square by DOI officers Kevin Almond and Paul Davis. The Department of Infrastructure released some correspondence but redacted significant portions citing exemptions related to ministerial decision-making and legal privilege. | ||
| 2025-04-22 | Clarification of Ministerial Responsibilities | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought clarification on Ministerial responsibilities under the Government Departments Act 1987 following a public statement by Minister Michelle Haywood, but the Department of Infrastructure provided only a brief response citing confidentiality and existing briefings rather than the requested documentation. | ||
| 2025-04-01 | New 20mph limit | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought confirmation on which areas had purchased 20mph speed limit signage and the specific costs incurred. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed signage was purchased for Port St Mary, Douglas, and Onchan, but withheld specific costs citing commercial interests, while providing overall project estimates. | ||
| 2025-03-26 | Jurby airfield | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for information regarding discussions about Jurby airfield, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to provide new documents under Section 20 of the Act, stating the information is already reasonably accessible via previous FOI responses. | ||
| 2025-03-21 | Signage | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for details on the purchase of 20mph signage across the Isle of Man was partially fulfilled, with specific dates, quantities, and locations disclosed, but exact costs were withheld under commercial interest exemptions. | ||
| 2025-03-19 | Purchase of 20mph signs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for details on the purchase of 20mph road signs and related hardware was partially fulfilled by the Department of Infrastructure, with some information withheld under Section 30 exemptions. | ||
| 2025-02-04 | Reayrt Vradda | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought documentation regarding Port Erin Commissioner petitions for a campsite lease and evidence of due diligence on the grantee company. The Department of Infrastructure released 106 pages of correspondence detailing the petition process and legislative conditions, though the outcome was partially exempt. | ||
| 2025-02-03 | Active Travel Costs and KPIs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The Department of Infrastructure disclosed total annual costs for the Active Travel Strategy from 2018 to 2024, citing a specific report for the data, but confirmed it does not hold information regarding Key Performance Indicators or return on investment. | ||
| 2025-01-27 | WEEE goods and minutes of meetings with the amenity sites since 2006 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought meeting minutes and emails regarding WEEE goods and amenity site charging structures since 2011, resulting in the disclosure of 130 pages of documents including specific pricing trials and contract details, though some information was withheld. | ||
| 2025-01-15 | Catering Contract IOM Airport | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the current Caterleisure catering contract, its expiry date, and future tender documents for the Isle of Man Airport. The Department of Infrastructure withheld the contract and expiry date citing commercial interests but confirmed that future tender documents do not yet exist. | ||
| 2024-12-31 | Settlement Agreements | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for statistics and templates regarding employment settlement agreements issued by the Department of Infrastructure since September 2021. The authority disclosed that two such agreements were issued to non-PSC employees but withheld specific details and templates due to data protection exemptions and lack of internal records. | ||
| 2024-12-04 | Cost of painting IOM Courts of Justice. | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for a detailed cost breakdown of painting the Courts of Justice buildings, including scaffolding and contractor names. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total cost and contractor details but withheld the specific breakdown of costs under a commercial interest exemption. | ||
| 2024-12-04 | Island's Heritage Railways Replacement | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought documentation regarding proposals to close or replace Isle of Man Heritage Railways with cycle paths and transfer ownership to Manx National Heritage. The Department of Infrastructure released a Terms of Reference, a Systra Report, and internal cost notes, but withheld Council of Ministers papers citing exemptions. | ||
| 2024-09-23 | Cost of Ronaldsway Airport SUVs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for detailed costs, specifications, and authorization records regarding two SUVs purchased for bird scaring at Ronaldsway Airport. The Department of Infrastructure responded on 14 October 2024, stating that some information was sent but part of the request was exempt. | ||
| 2024-08-21 | Isle of Man airport new vehicle | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for the cost and type of a new vehicle purchased for bird scaring at the Isle of Man airport. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the vehicle type and registration costs but withheld base vehicle and modification costs citing commercial confidentiality and economic interests. | ||
| 2024-08-12 | Jurby airport data | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details regarding a Jurby airport map, departmental papers, and ministerial communications concerning the airfield strategy. The Department of Infrastructure provided the map's creation date and submission method, confirmed no specific department paper existed, and disclosed a link to a strategy document, but withheld information on Council of Ministers proceedings under a policy formulation exemption. | ||
| 2024-06-05 | On-call information | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding on-call staff hours, pay rates, and response times. The authority disclosed specific operational details for Highways and Housing divisions but withheld pay rate information citing public availability and personal data exemptions. | ||
| 2024-04-23 | Removal of signs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for correspondence regarding the removal of signs from their garden wall by Parish Wardens. The Department of Infrastructure released some internal emails and hard copy documents but withheld personal data under an absolute exemption. | ||
| 2024-04-22 | Removal of signs - E-mail Correspondence with XXRedacted NameXX | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought documentation regarding the removal of disabled bay signs by Department of Infrastructure staff, including job descriptions and authorizations, following a dispute over the signs' storage and return. The Department responded that some information was sent but part of the request was exempt, citing a formal complaint that halted direct communication. | ||
| 2024-04-16 | Scrap and abandoned boats | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought costs for scrapping the Venture and Boy Ken vessels, pollution charges, and plans for a derelict lifeboat. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the Venture was disposed of privately and the lifeboat is scheduled for removal, but withheld Boy Ken scrapping costs citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2024-04-16 | Poortown Road Signage | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought correspondence with the Attorney General's Chambers and internal reports regarding the inspection and removal of signage on Poortown Road. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed some emails related to signage complaints but withheld legally privileged legal advice and specific inspection reports. | ||
| 2024-03-27 | Correspondence and Notes relating to Housing Deficiency Payments | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought correspondence and notes regarding Housing Deficiency Payments between February and March 2024, resulting in a partial disclosure where some documents were released while others were withheld due to exemptions. | ||
| 2024-03-20 | The wreck of the "Boy Ken". | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought confirmation of rumors regarding the award of a contract to JCK Limited for the disposal of the wrecked vessel 'Boy Ken' and details on cost recovery from the owner. The Department of Infrastructure released tender documentation outlining the evaluation criteria and process but withheld specific information on the awarded contractor and cost recovery status under commercial confidence exemptions. | ||
| 2023-11-01 | SYSTRA | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2023-09-28 | Future of fast craft services on the Isle of Man Steam Packet | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2023-07-19 | Earystane & Scards, Sulby & Druidale | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2023-07-14 | New Liverpool Passenger Terminal | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2023-07-14 | New Liverpool Passenger Terminal | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2023-06-07 | Liveprool ferry terminal | Some information sent but part exempt |
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