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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-14 | Public landlords eviction or failed to house requests | All information sent |
| The requester asked for data on public sector landlord evictions and failures to house applicants over five years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 7 evictions occurred and 16 applications were refused due to ineligibility. | ||
| 2020-12-14 | Do public sector landlords currently PAT test? | All information sent |
| The requester asked if public sector landlords on the Isle of Man currently PAT test movable electric devices. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed it tests white goods in 5 semi-furnished properties but stated it holds no data regarding other public sector landlords. | ||
| 2020-12-11 | On-street parking control | All information sent |
| The request sought details on parking enforcement visits, ticket numbers, and authorized agencies in Ramsey between June and November 2020. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that while exact visit durations are not recorded, at least eight visits occurred, six tickets were issued, and three agencies are authorized to enforce parking rules. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-11-24 | 2020 NHT Survey Report | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the full 2020 NHT Survey Report including methodology and all associated contracts and invoices. The Department of Infrastructure provided the requested documents as two appendices, noting that third-party personal data and signatures were redacted. | ||
| 2020-11-17 | Cost of Maintenance of The Donkey Track/U72, Andreas | All information sent |
| The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for maintenance costs of The Donkey Track/U72 in Andreas, disclosing a detailed breakdown of labor and equipment expenses totaling £6,556.56 for works carried out in February 2019. | ||
| 2020-11-13 | Explosive disposals | All information sent |
| The request sought data on the number and cost of explosive device disposals on the Isle of Man over the past three years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that there were six incidents, with no cost for specialist teams but a total of £1,281.30 paid for Coastguard cover. | ||
| 2020-11-09 | Pothole Cliams - Island Wide | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for data on pothole reports, locations, repair status, and damage claims between 2018 and 2020. The authority responded by disclosing a detailed list of recorded pothole and road surface defect incidents with their locations and clearance dates. | ||
| 2020-11-03 | Contract for cafes | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details on the contract holder and expiry date for the Ticket Hall eatery and steam train catering facilities. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that Q Catering holds the lease, which expires on 28 February 2022, and noted that this entity also provides catering for the dining train. | ||
| 2020-11-02 | harbours security | Not upheld |
| The request sought details on the recruitment, pay rates, and uniform costs for bank and contracted security officers at the Isle of Man harbours, as well as future salary projections. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that two bank officers were directly appointed due to urgency, provided specific hourly rates and uniform costs, but withheld future salary bill predictions as they do not hold such information. | ||
| 2020-10-26 | Cost of Public Inquiry at Langness | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the total financial cost of the Langness Public Inquiry and associated legal proceedings between 2007 and 2013. The authority disclosed that the total cost was £128,461 and provided all requested information. | ||
| 2020-10-26 | Classification of the U72, Andreas | All information sent |
| The requester asked for evidence supporting the classification of the U72 road in Andreas as a public highway. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed all information was sent but provided it on a physical USB stick due to file size constraints. | ||
| 2020-10-16 | DOI Expenditure for Past 3 Years | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for a detailed breakdown of Department of Infrastructure accounts for 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19, including spending on consultants and Bus Vannin. The authority provided expenditure tables for 2016-17 and 2017-18 but noted that not all requested information was held, with the 2018-19 data appearing incomplete in the response. | ||
| 2020-10-14 | Housing | Information not held |
| The requester asked for figures on public sector housing tenants who retained their homes after receiving over £100,000 or obtaining property over the last five years. The Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold this specific historical data but confirmed that in every such case identified in the last five years, the tenancy was surrendered. | ||
| 2020-10-08 | Key Workers | Withdrawn |
| The requester asked for copies of entry certificates for Key Workers issued by the Department of Infrastructure under coronavirus regulations. The request was withdrawn because the Department does not hold the information, as certificates are issued by the Cabinet Office. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-10-06 | Senior Management Meetings | Information not held |
| A request was made for Senior Management Team minutes of Bus Vannin meetings since 2014, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the meetings are informal and not minuted. | ||
| 2020-10-05 | Ballamodha Straight, Ballasalla, Traffic Speed Data | All information sent |
| A request was made for detailed traffic speed data from Ballamodha Straight, Ballasalla, for the period of 6 to 13 July 2020. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing all requested information in an attached appendix. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-10-05 | Sheep escapes Baldrine | All information sent |
| The requester asked for information regarding sheep escapes near Baldrine Railway Station and Lower Ballabeg Farm, specifically those not reported to the police. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed a log of five specific incidents involving livestock on the railway line between March 2019 and May 2020. | ||
| 2020-10-01 | Traffic volume and speed analysis data undertaken on Strang Rd | All information sent |
| A request was made for traffic volume and speed data on Strang Road from 2015 to 2020, and the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that all requested information was provided in an attachment. | ||
| 2020-09-28 | Mannin | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the business case regarding the refurbishment of the steam engine Mannin, but the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that no such document exists as the project is still in the evaluation phase. | ||
| 2020-09-28 | Vignole - The Diesel | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought details on maintenance costs, warranty work, and the operational status of diesel locomotive 21 'Vignoles'. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific repair costs and warranty details but withheld the value of the bogie repair contract citing commercial sensitivity. | ||
| 2020-09-24 | Concrete cracking Douglas Promenade and Remedial Works | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details on defects recorded on the Douglas Promenade, including costs and rectification status. The authority responded by providing a comprehensive defects register listing numerous issues, though specific monetary costs for repairs were not included in the disclosed summary. | ||
| 2020-09-24 | Walker Fire Fire Extinguisher Contract | All information sent |
| The requester inquired about the status of the Walker Fire UK contract for fire extinguishers and potential government connections of replacement contractors. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed Walker Fire UK withdrew due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and that the next competitive tenderer was engaged, while stating they could not verify personal government connections of directors. | ||
| 2020-09-21 | First time buyer buy back scheme | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for data on first-time buyer buy-back properties removed from sale listings and leased to third parties in the last three years. The Department of Infrastructure could not provide the specific listing history but disclosed the number of buy-back properties sub-let to third parties annually since 2011. | ||
| 2020-09-15 | Minibuses | All information sent |
| The requester asked for specific spending, purchase numbers, running costs, and income figures for Bus Vannin minibuses since 2016. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that detailed minibus-specific data is not recorded separately from the wider fleet, but provided aggregate bus sub-division expenditure, specific costs for the myProm shuttle, and approximate new vehicle purchase prices. | ||
| 2020-09-14 | Mannin | All information sent |
| A request was made for the cost, origin, and delivery status of a boiler for the steam engine Mannin. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no boiler has been ordered yet as the required actions for the engine are still being evaluated. | ||
| 2020-09-10 | Monies paid to Watling Streetworks Limited by DOI | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the total amount paid to Watling Streetworks Limited since October 2015. The authority disclosed that £69,160.25 excluding VAT was paid for services across Highway, Public Estates, Housing, and Transport sectors. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-09-04 | Demand responsive travel minibuses | All information sent |
| The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for details on Bus Vannin's minibus fleet, operational bases, and parking rules by providing a full vehicle list with mileage and service types, a list of stabling locations, and clarification on overnight parking policies. | ||
| 2020-08-25 | Comis Hotel | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the decision-making process and professional advice regarding the use of Comis Hotel as a quarantine facility. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that they made the final decision based on specific operational criteria and confirmed that while no specific legal advice was sought, public health bodies provided input on suitability. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-08-11 | Peel Marina | Some information sent but not all held |
| 2020-08-11 | Railways | All information sent |
| The requester asked for passenger numbers on Isle of Man heritage railways since reopening post-Covid, specifically separating dining car and steam figures. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total passenger counts for the first three weeks of operation up to 11 August 2020. | ||
| 2020-08-06 | First time buyers under new scheme | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the date of the first property purchase under the Shared Equity Purchase Assistance (First Home Fixed) Scheme. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that the first assisted purchase occurred on 17th April 2015. | ||
| 2020-08-04 | Ballabeg traffic data | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for completion dates and one-year post-scheme effectiveness assessment results for Ballabeg road improvements, citing a 2019 public meeting. The Department of Infrastructure responded that not all information was held but provided a 2016 route study report by JMP Consultants Ltd as partial disclosure. | ||
| 2020-08-03 | weight limit on vehicles at Governors Dip/Governor's Bridge | All information sent |
| The requester asked for confirmation of historical weight limits, removal reasons, and risk assessments for Governors Dip and specific junctions. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no records exist of any weight limits ever being in place, and therefore no removal orders or specific risk assessments were generated, though professional judgement was used for temporary traffic layouts. | ||
| 2020-07-30 | Traffic flow | All information sent |
| A request was made regarding the decision-making process, attendees, and environmental impacts of making the Promenades one-way and altering traffic at St Ninian's and Governor's Bridge. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the decision was approved by the Council of Ministers on 30 April 2020 following multiple meetings, confirmed the attendees, and explained that traffic monitoring and pollution impacts were considered but influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. | ||
| 2020-07-29 | Closure of the Jurby Parade Ground to Motorcyle related activities | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the closure of Jurby Parade Ground to motorcycle activities, specifically asking for the reason for the ban and complaint statistics. The authority disclosed that the restriction was implemented due to complaints from a local resident and the Parish Commissioners, and clarified that no specific threshold of complaints is required to enforce such restrictions. | ||
| 2020-07-23 | weight limit on vehicles at governors dip/governor's bridge | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure to clarify if weight limits were in place for vehicles at Governor's Bridge/Governors Dip due to roadworks. The authority confirmed that no weight limit is currently in place. | ||
| 2020-07-16 | Mori Poll re improving local streets,roads,buses and cycling. | All information sent |
| The requester asked how the public was selected for a Mori poll on local transport improvements and the cost to the Department of Infrastructure. The authority disclosed that a random probability sampling method was used from the Small Users File and confirmed the total cost was £9,950 for 3,000 surveys. | ||
| 2020-07-16 | Forecast Operating Losses | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request was made for forecast financial losses, decision-making data regarding the Snaefell Mountain Railway closure, budget changes, and revenue figures for Isle of Man railways. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that losses could not yet be calculated due to unknown passenger numbers, confirmed the Minister's decision to close the Snaefell line due to staffing costs, noted a budget reduction of £72,736, and stated no specific revenue predictions were made in the business case. | ||
| 2020-07-15 | Comis Hotel | All information sent |
| The requester asked if a specific risk assessment was conducted for the Comis Hotel before its use as designated accommodation for repatriated residents. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that while no single risk assessment document was produced due to the emergency situation, risk control measures were identified and implemented through the service specification and contract. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2020-06-30 | Proposal and benefits case for bus & cycle lane at Glencrutchery Road | All information sent |
| A request was made for the proposal, benefits case, consultation, and approval process regarding a bus and cycle lane at Glencrutchery Road. The Department of Infrastructure responded by sending all requested information across 17 pages in 2 documents. | ||
| 2020-06-26 | Costs associated with UK consultants | All information sent |
| The requester asked for a cost breakdown, roles, and impact assessment of four UK consultants employed by the Department of Infrastructure's Highway services. The authority disclosed the total net cost and the reason for employment but refused to provide an opinion on whether the costs were detrimental to other services. | ||
| 2020-06-26 | Reported Cat 1Surface defects | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought data on Category 1 road surface defects, related insurance claims, and Jetpatcher usage by the Department of Infrastructure. The authority provided defect statistics but refused to disclose insurance claim details due to data structure and central fund management, and stated Jetpatcher usage records were not held. | ||
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