Department of Infrastructure
952 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 47.4%
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 (952)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-06-06 | Ramsey Marina | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for correspondence and meeting details regarding Ramsey Marina between the Department of Infrastructure and private individuals over a 12-month period. The authority refused to disclose any information, citing exemptions for commercial interests and personal data. | ||
| 2022-05-24 | Bus Vannin Accessibility Steering Group | All information sent |
| The requester asked for meeting dates and minutes for the Bus Vannin Accessibility Steering Group since its inception in April 2021. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed all requested information, providing four specific meeting dates and attaching the corresponding minutes. | ||
| 2022-05-19 | Parking Offences - Loch Promenade - 02/04/2022 | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for the number of parking tickets issued on Loch Promenade on 2nd April 2022, a breakdown of offences, and appeal statistics. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 32 tickets were issued for a specific offence and that 2 were successfully appealed, but stated they do not hold data on appeals broken down by offence type. | ||
| 2022-05-19 | Loch Promenade - 22/04/2022 - Parking within the lines | All information sent |
| A request was made for statistics regarding parking tickets issued on Loch Promenade on 22 April 2022 for incorrect parking, including appeal outcomes. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that two tickets were issued, both were appealed, and neither appeal was successful. | ||
| 2022-05-18 | Adopted Highways in Ballastowell Gardens | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for a map or details of adopted highways and public rights of way in the Ballastowell Gardens housing development in Ramsey. The Department of Infrastructure refused to send the information directly, citing that it is already reasonably accessible via a paid search form or by viewing plans in person. | ||
| 2022-05-12 | High Street, Port St Mary | All information sent |
| The request sought details on previous refusals of business cases for the High Street, Port St Mary reconstruction and copies of submitted cases. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the full July 2021 business case for the scheme, which outlines the road's poor condition and proposed reconstruction. | ||
| 2022-05-11 | Menzies Aviation | Information not held |
| The requester asked the Department of Infrastructure why Menzies Aviation, which operates Ronaldsway Airport, is not registered with the Isle of Man Companies Registry. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and directed the requester to submit a new request to the Department for Enterprise. | ||
| 2022-05-11 | Liverpool Landing Stage | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought details on annual fees, payment history, and cost projections for the Isle of Man's lease of Princes Half-Tide Dock in Liverpool. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the ground rent, lease term, total payments made, and specific service charges, but stated that estimated life-term costs were not held. | ||
| 2022-05-06 | Marine Drive Road Closure Proposal consultation 2 | All information sent |
| The requester asked for all responses to the Marine Drive Road Closure Proposal consultation, including statistics on support and opposition. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed all requested information, providing 614 pages across 4 documents containing the consultation responses. | ||
| 2022-05-05 | cost of new airport parking system | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for the total estimated cost of the new Ronaldsway airport parking system, including barriers and app fees. The Department of Infrastructure did not release the data directly, citing that the information was already reasonably accessible via a Tynwald Hansard record. | ||
| 2022-05-05 | First time buyer scheme | All information sent |
| The requester asked for a quarterly breakdown of First Time Buyer scheme purchases for both Fixed and Choice schemes between 2018 and April 2022. The Department of Infrastructure provided the complete data, confirming 43 purchases under the Fixed scheme and 16 under the Choice scheme. | ||
| 2022-04-29 | Communications regarding Loch Promenade Tramway Tracks | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for communications between the Department of Infrastructure and Sleepwell Hotels regarding the reinstatement of Horse Tramway tracks from 2016 to 2022. The authority responded that no specific communications on this topic exist, though they provided a newsletter update on the broader Douglas Promenade Refurbishment scheme. | ||
| 2022-04-27 | Forecast Losses | Information not held |
| A request was made for 2022 forecast operating costs, revenues, and losses for the Isle of Man's railways and horse trams. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the budget apportionment to specific services is still ongoing due to rising fuel and electricity costs. | ||
| 2022-04-26 | Blue roll and nitrile gloves | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked about upcoming tender reopenings for blue roll and disposable gloves for the Department of Infrastructure and other departments. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed its current contract for these items expires on 31 December 2022 but stated it does not hold information regarding other departments. | ||
| 2022-04-25 | Tram Derailment | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for reports regarding a tram derailment on July 16, 2021, but the Department of Infrastructure withheld all information citing an ongoing investigation. | ||
| 2022-04-25 | Airport | Information not held |
| A request was made for data on private jet cancellations in 2022, including dates and reasons. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held as it is managed by private companies. | ||
| 2022-04-19 | First time buyer list | Some information sent but not all held |
| The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request regarding First Time Buyer lists, disclosing total registration numbers, purchase statistics for houses and bungalows since 2018, and data on applicants with children. The authority confirmed it does not hold specific data on how many applicants are waiting exclusively for houses. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2022-04-06 | Interview process and procedure | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details on interview panel decision-making procedures and marking criteria. The authority responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Cabinet Office instead. | ||
| 2022-03-30 | Costs of improvements to old railway line | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for cost details regarding the improvement of the old railway line between St Johns and Kirk Michael. The authority disclosed total spending to date, specific scaffold hire costs, design fees, and an updated projected final cost of the scheme. | ||
| 2022-03-23 | Provision of Electricity to the Manx Electric Railway | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought electricity costs and usage for the Manx Electric Railway from 2016 to 2021, along with details on the charging agreement with Manx Utilities Authority. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed data only from August 2018 to March 2022, noting that records for 2016 and 2017 were not held, and confirmed the railway pays standard industrial tariffs. | ||
| 2022-03-22 | Result of safety survey on Douglas Promenade | Information not held |
| A request was made for the results of a safety survey on the Douglas Promenade, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the audit has not yet been conducted. | ||
| 2022-03-17 | Connect Villages Scheme | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the procurement process and fees for Grant Thornton's consultancy on the Connect Villages Scheme. The department responded that it does not hold the requested information, as the contract procurement was conducted by the Office of Fair Trading. | ||
| 2022-02-23 | Resident permits in disc zones | All information sent |
| The requester asked when the 2000kg weight restriction for resident parking permits in disc zones was introduced and the rationale behind it. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the policy originated in February 2008 to prevent large vehicles from occupying excessive roadside space and reducing public amenity. | ||
| 2022-02-22 | Douglas Promenade Design Brief | All information sent |
| The requester sought the project design brief and related correspondence for the Douglas Promenade Improvement Scheme, specifically referencing emails between Burroughs Stewart Associates and the Department of Infrastructure. The authority responded by disclosing the Project Brief and a 2017 memorandum presented to Tynwald that established the scheme's mandate and scope. | ||
| 2022-02-16 | Expected Losses | Information not held |
| A request was made for the 2022 expected operating costs, revenues, and losses for the Isle of Man's railways and horse trams. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the divisional budget calculations have not yet been completed. | ||
| 2022-02-15 | Funds provided to Beach Buddies | All information sent |
| The request sought details on work completed by Beach Buddies following a £75,000 government grant for footpath maintenance. The response disclosed a comprehensive operational summary from 2018-2021, detailing volunteer hours, equipment usage, and the significant impact of the pandemic on service delivery. | ||
| 2022-02-14 | Railway Inspectorate Horse Tramway Reports | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for Railway Inspectorate reports on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, specifically regarding pointwork issues mentioned by Minister Crookall. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no such reports exist and could not find the referenced ministerial statement, though they provided some email correspondence on the matter. | ||
| 2022-02-08 | Performance Review Records | Information not held |
| The requester asked for aggregated Performance and Development Review statistics for the Department of Infrastructure ending March 2020 and related guidance documents. The Department responded that it does not hold these records and suggested contacting the Cabinet Office instead. | ||
| 2022-02-08 | Douglas Promenade Safety Audits | All information sent |
| A request was made for copies of two safety audits regarding the Douglas Promenade design, and the Department of Infrastructure disclosed the full Stage 1 Road Safety Audit report conducted by TMS Consultancy. | ||
| 2022-02-07 | Leachate from the Raggatt Tip | All information sent |
| A request was made for details on leachate removal from the Raggatt Tip in 2021, to which the Department of Infrastructure responded with estimated figures based on contractor and staff records rather than exact quantities. | ||
| 2022-02-03 | Promenade Works Snagging List | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the Douglas Promenade Refurbishment snagging list, and the authority disclosed the full defects register containing 41 pages of information. | ||
| 2022-02-02 | Isle of Man Airport Car Park Revenue | All information sent |
| A request was made for a monthly breakdown of Isle of Man Airport car park revenue from 2016 to 2021, and the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that all information was sent. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | Parking Tickets Douglas Area Merton Bank to Tynwald Street | Information not held |
| A request was made for detailed monthly parking ticket statistics for specific streets in Douglas for 2021 and January 2022, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held in the requested format. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | Resident Permit Douglas Merton Bank to Tynwald Str & Estimated Parking | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for detailed monthly parking permit statistics and space classifications for specific streets in Douglas, but the Department of Infrastructure could only provide limited data because permits are recorded by zone rather than by individual street. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | Total Number and Value of parking tickets for full year of 2021 | Information not held |
| A request was made for the total number and value of parking tickets issued in the Douglas Area for 2021. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held in the requested format because their records do not specify the geographic area of the offence. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | Expected Losses | Information not held |
| A request was made for the 2022 expected operating costs, forecast revenue, and losses for the Isle of Man's railways and horse trams. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the 2022 budget has not yet been passed by Tynwald. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | Horse Tram Problems | All information sent |
| The request sought correspondence regarding commissioning problems with horse tram points on the Douglas Promenade, and the authority disclosed all relevant information including design disputes and contract instructions. | ||
| 2022-01-24 | Cost of using Lord Street site as car park | All information sent |
| The request sought financial details regarding the Department of Infrastructure's use of the former Lord Street bus station as a car park since July 2021. The authority disclosed the total income generated, the specific licence fee paid to the site owner, and the revenue-sharing arrangement. | ||
| 2022-01-21 | Messaging on Mountain Road Matrix signs | All information sent |
| A request was made to identify the ownership, authorization, and operational procedures for non-traffic messaging on Mountain Road digital matrix signs. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed it owns the signs, grants permission, and handles input, noting that all government departments may use the signs with approval from senior officials. | ||
| 2022-01-21 | Mountain Road Work 2022 | All information sent |
| A request was made for details and costs of road works on the A18 Mountain Road between February and April 2022, specifically those required for the TT 2022 event. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the scope of works, including highway reconstruction and maintenance, along with estimated costs, while clarifying that the ACU supported but did not specifically request the major reconstruction. | ||
| 2022-01-20 | Mountain Road Closure | Information not held |
| A request was made for all correspondence between Department of Infrastructure staff and media outlets regarding the Mountain Road closure. The authority responded that the information is not held, as relevant officers confirmed no such correspondence took place. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2022-01-10 | Information Required on Various Aspects of Highway Maintenance | All information sent |
| The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for data on highway maintenance, pothole statistics, and litigation for 2018, 2020, and 2021, disclosing that recycled asphalt is not used for bound materials and providing specific repair counts and costs. | ||
| 2022-01-06 | Peel Marina | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding expenditure from a £6.9m Tynwald-approved budget for dredging and silt removal at Peel Marina since January 2019. The authority disclosed that the total spend from this budget between January 2019 and December 31, 2021, was £2,971,790. | ||
| 2022-01-05 | Properties | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought a list of government-owned buildings sublet to businesses and their yearly income. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed a partial list of properties managed by its Commercial Team and the total annual rental income, noting that some requested information was not held. | ||
| 2021-12-28 | Steam Locomotive Restoration Tenders | All information sent |
| The requester asked for clarification on whether the restoration of steam locomotive 'Maitland' followed public tender rules under Isle of Man Financial Regulations. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that both chassis refurbishment and assembly works were tendered via official government channels with multiple bidders, and the contract was awarded based on best value. | ||
| 2021-12-22 | Statistics on Parking Fines In Coach Bays Out Of Season | All information sent |
| The requester sought detailed statistics on parking fines in coach bays and restricted areas, including appeal success rates, to assess the viability of a court hearing. The Department of Infrastructure provided aggregate financial year data for total offences and specific 'reserved parking' codes but clarified that data is not broken down by town, month, or specific appeal outcomes. | ||
| 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. | ||
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