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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-31 | List of all Dept of Infrastructure bids to Treasury | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2022-11-09 | Jurby Industrial Estate Rent Arrears | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2022-10-18 | Disposal of what remains of he wreck of the Claire Anne | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2022-09-14 | Parking signage | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for a count of one-way streets in the Isle of Man with different parking limits on each side, excluding Hill Street. The Department of Infrastructure declined to provide this specific count, citing that the information is already publicly available via Tynwald and that compiling the data would require significant officer time. | ||
| 2022-09-07 | Cones in Braddan for Manx Grand Prix 2022 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the full contract regarding the borrowing of Department of Infrastructure cones for the 2022 Manx Grand Prix and the collection deadline. The authority provided specific sections of the contract but withheld the full document citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2022-09-06 | Airport Parking | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for information regarding Airport Parking enforcement, payment statistics, and contractor costs was partially fulfilled by the Department of Infrastructure. While data on penalty notices and non-app payments was provided, the cost paid to the Ring Go service was withheld under a public interest exemption. | ||
| 2022-08-08 | Bus Cancellations | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought internal communications regarding bus cancellations during the 2022 TT period and details on Minister Tim Crookall's parliamentary answers. The Department of Infrastructure released some documents, including draft answers and emails discussing driver shortages and congestion, but withheld parts of the information under exemptions. | ||
| 2022-06-17 | Parking tickets issued George Paddock Car Park Castletown | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for parking ticket statistics and vehicle registration details for George Paddock Car Park in Castletown between January 2021 and June 2022. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total number of tickets issued and cancelled, along with reasons for cancellation, but withheld vehicle registration numbers and the identity of the officer who revoked them due to personal data exemptions. | ||
| 2022-04-13 | Castletown Bus Interchange /One Way System Proposal | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought correspondence regarding a proposed Castletown mini bus service and risk assessments for a bus interchange, but the Department of Infrastructure withheld policy-related emails under Section 34 exemptions while confirming the scheme was signed off by the Chief Executive and Minister. | ||
| 2022-01-12 | Promenade closure 30/01/21 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on legal claims and settlements regarding the promenade closure on 30 January 2021, but the Department of Infrastructure withheld all information citing an ongoing investigation. | ||
| 2022-01-11 | No16 Mannin Steam Locomotive | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for updates on the restoration of the No16 Mannin steam locomotive, specifically regarding asbestos removal, costs, and operational timelines. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed asbestos removal and provided partial cost data but withheld the total project budget citing commercial interests. | ||
| 2021-12-14 | Locomotive No.16 'Mannin' | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details regarding the location, removal reasons, and procurement documents for steam locomotive No.16 'Mannin'. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the locomotive's current status and removal reason but withheld correspondence and quotes citing commercial confidentiality and excessive cost. | ||
| 2021-10-25 | Ballabeg 'red' crossings. | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details regarding the design, approval, costs, and legal status of red crossings in Ballabeg, citing public interest due to recent court findings. The Department of Infrastructure released a traffic management report by JMP Consultants Ltd but withheld specific information on costs and individual names under partial exemption. | ||
| 2021-09-09 | Cost and tender process for new airport website | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought the total cost, cost breakdown, advertising revenue recipient, and tender details for the new airport.im website. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total cost, revenue arrangement, and bid count, but withheld the cost breakdown citing commercial sensitivity. | ||
| 2021-06-22 | Douglas Promenade Regeneration Costs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the total spend on the Douglas Promenade Regeneration and a comparison to the original Tynwald approval. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the approved budget but withheld the current spend figures citing commercial interests and potential harm to future tendering processes. | ||
| 2021-06-17 | Salaries of port security and port security managers | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2021-06-15 | D51 Earystane Road (Colby) temporary closure ref RC0181 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for all correspondence regarding the D51 Earystane Road temporary closure since October 2011, resulting in the disclosure of some information while parts were withheld under exemptions. The released documents include emails discussing a Public Path Order, reasons for relocating a highway due to anti-social behavior, and the removal of a specific area from the Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Map. | ||
| 2021-05-31 | Government's' land ownership in German, Patric and Malew Parishes. | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for maps of government-owned land in the parishes of German, Patrick, and Malew, but the response provided a list of properties located in Peel instead. The outcome was partial disclosure with some information exempted, though the specific exemptions were not detailed in the text. | ||
| 2021-05-20 | Rainfall and flash floods | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2021-05-12 | P50 Fire Extinguishers | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for procurement details, costs, and correspondence regarding P50 plastic fire extinguishers and the Department's policy on plastic purchases. The Department of Infrastructure responded that it has not procured any P50 extinguishers itself, though some were installed by contractors or occupants, and released redacted correspondence regarding potential future use. | ||
| 2021-03-30 | Monthly cost of airline subsidies and passenger numbers | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for a monthly breakdown of subsidies paid to LoganAir and passenger numbers since March 2020, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to disclose the financial data citing commercial and economic exemptions. | ||
| 2021-03-10 | Steam coal | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on steam coal procurement for the Isle of Man Steam Railway, including usage, costs, and transport logistics. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the annual usage and transport method but withheld specific cost figures and contract renewal dates due to an ongoing tender process. | ||
| 2021-03-08 | Temporary marquee for the storage of tramcars at Summerland | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on the cost, usage, and removal of a temporary marquee used for storing tramcars at Summerland. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the completion date of the new depot and current usage, but withheld specific removal costs and directed the requester to a public news article for purchase/rental details. | ||
| 2021-02-11 | Woodbourne Road - complaints and accidents | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on complaints regarding a zebra crossing and road traffic collisions on Woodbourne Road. The Department of Infrastructure provided a partial response, disclosing specific collision data while redacting complaint details and most accident specifics. | ||
| 2021-01-11 | Richmond Hill | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for specialist reports, cost details, and correspondence regarding defective resurfacing work on Richmond Hill. The Department of Infrastructure responded with some information but withheld parts of the request under exemptions. | ||
| 2020-11-26 | Mercedes | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought the Department of Infrastructure's agreement with Mercedes-Benz and results of bike rack trials on buses. The agreement was withheld due to commercial confidentiality and trade secrets, while the bike rack trial results were disclosed via a statement explaining the trial's termination due to safety concerns. | ||
| 2020-11-24 | Agreements, Communications and Payments to/with Logainair | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought agreements, communications, and payment details regarding Loganair's air services and financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific contracts and email correspondence but withheld details of sums paid due to statutory exemptions. | ||
| 2020-10-06 | Please provide the loss and profit of Dial a ride | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for profit and loss data for Dial a Ride services and minibuses used for specific transport routes, but the Department of Infrastructure could not provide this due to internal budgeting policies. Instead, the authority disclosed the purchase costs and quantities of minibuses acquired during fleet replacement programs between 2017 and 2019. | ||
| 2020-10-05 | Laxey Shore Old Bridge Collapse Investigation report | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the full investigation report and supporting documents regarding the 2015 Laxey Shore Old Bridge collapse. The Department of Infrastructure released the main report but withheld specific personal data under an absolute exemption. | ||
| 2020-09-09 | Douglas Tramway | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for minutes from a July 13, 2020 meeting regarding the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway signals, which were partially disclosed with some content redacted. The released minutes detail discussions on signal detection methods, supplier options, and the separation of crossing and point operation systems. | ||
| 2020-08-24 | Vehicle registrations broken down by registration year & type of fuel | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The Department of Infrastructure provided a detailed breakdown of Isle of Man vehicle registrations by year and fuel type from 2012 to 2020 as an exception to standard practice, noting that such data is not routinely recorded in this format. | ||
| 2020-08-12 | Repatriation | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester sought details on the Comis Hotel's use for repatriation, including service specifications, inspection dates, and financial breakdowns. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the contract start date, total payments made, and occupancy figures, but withheld specific fee details and granular data citing commercial interests and practical refusal grounds. | ||
| 2020-07-07 | Organisation, costs and income of Comis repatriation | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for details on the Comis Hotel quarantine scheme was partially fulfilled, disclosing the contract start date, total payments made, and guest numbers, while withholding specific cost breakdowns and weekly statistics due to commercial sensitivity and practical refusal grounds. | ||
| 2020-06-05 | Equality impact assessment | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for an equality impact assessment regarding parking removal on the Promenade and documentation on mobility accommodations. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed no specific assessment was conducted for this issue, provided redacted documentation on mobility discussions, and stated the main impact assessment is being updated for future publication. | ||
| 2020-03-02 | Bus sales | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on buses sold by Bus Vannin since January 2018, including types and purchasers. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the number and type of buses sold to organizations but redacted the names of individual purchasers citing data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2020-02-27 | Development of a Marina | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details regarding the criteria, meetings, and appraisal reports for the Isle of Man Marina Development procurement process. The Department of Infrastructure partially responded, withholding information on proposal viability and meeting details due to commercial and public business exemptions. | ||
| 2019-12-05 | Cost of contract for the airport | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the running costs of aviation security services provided by Noonans and details on government subsidies. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed no subsidy was paid but withheld specific cost figures citing commercial prejudice. | ||
| 2019-11-11 | Permits given out for use of Greeways by vehicles exceeding 0.5 tonnes | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details on permits issued for vehicles over 0.5 tonnes using Greenways over the last five years. The authority responded with some information but withheld parts of the data under exemptions. | ||
| 2019-10-31 | Promenade | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made regarding the Promenade project concerning concrete failure, contract delays, and contractor financial difficulties. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the project is behind schedule with a new completion date but denied knowledge of financial issues, while citing Section 20 to withhold information on concrete failure as it is already publicly accessible. | ||
| 2019-10-10 | Amenity Site | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the lease agreement for the eastern district amenity site, and the Department of Infrastructure provided the document with redactions applied to the rental figure and signatures. | ||
| 2019-05-27 | Horse Tram Risk Assessment | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for risk assessments and correspondence regarding horse trams on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, specifically concerning conflicts with oncoming traffic. The Department of Infrastructure released some internal emails and risk assessment criteria, noting that the risk of oncoming vehicles was considered and mitigated through horse selection and training. | ||
| 2019-04-26 | Cabbage | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on costs and operational status regarding IoM Railways' diesel locomotive 21, specifically focusing on engine and bogie repairs. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that engine work was covered by warranty while bogie repairs cost £58.8k, but withheld the specific value of the tender contract due to commercial sensitivity. | ||
| 2018-11-07 | Lord Street | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for data on residents, maintenance costs, complaints, and future plans for the Lord Street flats, resulting in a partial disclosure containing correspondence about new social housing developments rather than the specific statistics requested. | ||
| 2018-10-26 | Peel marina | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2018-08-20 | Private street works - Maine Road, Port Erin | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for details on resident surveys regarding the adoption of Maine Road in Port Erin over the last seven years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that one survey occurred in July 2015 with 67% agreement, but withheld specific personal data regarding the number of residents under data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2018-07-26 | Rally IOM | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought the conditions imposed by the Department of Infrastructure on Rally IOM, resulting in the disclosure of a letter outlining safety and leadership requirements, though some personal data was withheld under exemption. | ||
| 2018-07-23 | Rally Isle of Man - DOI | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought documented evidence regarding safety incidents and management concerns for the Rally Isle of Man between 2013 and 2017, as referenced in an email by Jeff Robinson. The Department of Infrastructure provided partial information, including a 2013 email detailing signage failures and a 2015 debrief meeting record, while withholding other requested documents. | ||
| 2018-05-01 | Site G Knock Rushen Castletown | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought all information regarding Site G (Knock Rushen) in Castletown, which was partially fulfilled with documents from Highway Services and Network Planning. The disclosed materials include an email and meeting notes confirming the site's developability for approximately 60 dwellings and outlining required highway access arrangements. | ||
| 2018-04-30 | Why was the mountain road closed: Tue, 10 Apr 2018 | Some information sent but part exempt |
| 2018-04-06 | Horse Trams | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request for 2017 Horse Trams passenger numbers, revenue, and running costs was partially fulfilled, with passenger data directed to a public website while financial figures were disclosed. | ||
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