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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-22 | Airport parking penalties | All information sent |
| The requester asked for six years of data on airport parking fines, revenue, and enforcement actions, but the Department of Infrastructure only disclosed the number of fines issued and paid, stating that revenue and enforcement data are held by Treasury and the Courts of Justice respectively. | ||
| 2025-05-21 | Residential discretion showing extreme need | All information sent |
| The requester asked for statistical data on 'residential discretion showing extreme need' authorisations by housing authorities from January 2020, broken down by location, time, and nationality. The Department of Infrastructure responded by sending guidance notes on the policy and process for residency waivers rather than the specific statistical tables requested. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-05-15 | Speed data | All information sent |
| The requester asked for vehicle speed data collected at Duck Street in Ballabeg since the installation of an electronic speeding deterrent. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no such data exists because the device is a speed limit repeater sign that triggers when limits are exceeded but does not record speeds. | ||
| 2025-05-14 | Renewable generation | Not upheld |
| A request for information regarding renewable generation and the Future Energy Delivery Strategy was made to the Department of Infrastructure, resulting in a decision not to uphold the request due to extensive redactions. | ||
| 2025-05-13 | ******** - D.O.B ****** | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for the date, time, and location of a workplace accident involving a Bus Vannin driver who fell from a minibus tail lift. The Department of Infrastructure refused to disclose the information, citing absolute exemptions for personal data under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2025-05-01 | public rights of way prow | All information sent |
| The requester inquired about the status of a path from Surby to Ballakillowey, asking if it had been extinguished due to redevelopment. The Department of Infrastructure clarified that the path was never a public right of way but a permissive path that was withdrawn by landowners due to user misconduct. | ||
| 2025-04-28 | Information regarding the Northern Civic Amenity Site | All information sent |
| A request was made for correspondence and financial details regarding the Northern Civic Amenity Site, including payments from local authorities and Department of Infrastructure support. The Department of Infrastructure responded by confirming that all requested information was sent to the applicant. | ||
| 2025-04-25 | Data supporting IOM 20mph limit | All information sent |
| The requester asked for data supporting a blanket 20mph speed limit across the Isle of Man and why it was not applied location-by-location. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no blanket approach was taken, instead providing specific criteria used to determine speed limits based on place, movement, and road characteristics. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-04-17 | Correspondence detailing contributions to NCAS for 25/26 | All information sent |
| The request sought correspondence from the Department of Infrastructure to Local Authorities regarding funding contributions for the Northern Civic Amenity Site for the 2025/26 financial period. The authority disclosed the full email and budget breakdown, confirming that the Department contributed £48,590 from its internal budget to keep the site operational. | ||
| 2025-04-16 | 20mph Signage for Douglas and onchan | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for the specific cost of new 20mph signage for Douglas and Onchan, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to provide the information directly. | ||
| 2025-04-16 | Cost and timings of 20mph road furniture for Douglas and Onchan | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details regarding the cost and procurement of 20mph road signage for Douglas and Onchan. The authority disclosed the order date, the total estimated cost, and confirmed the use of an existing framework agreement. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-04-16 | Wildlife killed at the airport since 2024 | All information sent |
| The Department of Infrastructure provided data on wildlife killed at Isle of Man Airport for 2024 and early 2025, detailing species counts, culling methods, and disposal procedures while clarifying they hold no records for other airports. | ||
| 2025-04-16 | Use of chemical herbicides along roads | All information sent |
| A request was made regarding the Department of Infrastructure's use of chemical herbicides on private roadside verges without consent, specifically concerning safety and policy. The authority disclosed that private land spraying is unintentional, identified Glyphosate as the chemical used, and provided details on authorization, training, costs, and the lack of public notification. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-04-10 | Castletown Social Housing Rent Arrears Debt | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought specific rent arrears debt figures and debtor details for Castletown social housing as of the end of the 2024-25 financial year, along with the relevant policy. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the extant policy document but indicated that not all requested information was held. | ||
| 2025-04-07 | Dredging costs | All information sent |
| The request sought monthly dredging costs for Douglas harbour and arrears for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company over the last 48 months. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific costs for the Inner Harbour/Marina in 2023 and 2024, and the Outer Harbour in March 2025, but did not provide the requested monthly breakdown or arrears data. | ||
| 2025-04-02 | Contribution from Bride Commissioners to NCAS from 1st April 2025 | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the financial contribution from Bride Commissioners to the Northern Civic Amenity Site (NCAS) and related correspondence since January 2025. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed all information, including emails confirming the agreement, the transfer of contingency funds, and the signed contract for site operation. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-03-27 | First Time Buyers Scheme | All information sent |
| The requester asked for statistics on First Time Buyer allocations, specific offers for the Jurby development, and the property offering process. The Department of Infrastructure directed the requester to online resources for general statistics and confirmed that three applicants have been offered homes in the new Ballaglionney development in Jurby. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-03-25 | Cost | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the projected cost of Mountain Road works and any assessment of the economic impact of the closure. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total cost of the works but confirmed that no economic impact assessment was conducted. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-03-19 | How much will it cost to change relevant signage to 20mph? | All information sent |
| The request sought the total cost and contractor details for implementing 20mph signage across the Isle of Man. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed a total estimated cost of £400,000 and identified Hirst Signs Ltd, CCJ Group Limited, and in-house staff as the providers for different areas. | ||
| 2025-03-18 | Promenade crossings | All information sent |
| The requester asked about the due diligence on promenade crossing materials and remediation plans due to premature deterioration. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the materials met British Standards and stated that an options appraisal for remediation is currently underway. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-03-18 | Bus vannin travel expenses | All information sent |
| The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total travel expenses for Bus Vannin management over the last 10 years in response to a Freedom of Information request. The response provided a year-by-year breakdown of spending on business trips and leisure travel to the UK, Ireland, and Europe. | ||
| 2025-03-12 | Government Parking Allocation and Usage | All information sent |
| A request was made for details on the allocation, usage, and enforcement of government parking spaces at the Level 2 Chester Street car park. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the list of allocated departments, total space count, permit numbers, and enforcement statistics, but withheld information on specific allocation policies and complaints. | ||
| 2025-03-12 | Parking | All information sent |
| The requester asked for allocation dates, renewal history, and decision-makers for reserved parking spaces on Castlemona Avenue. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that there are five spaces, provided their creation dates, clarified that renewals are not required, and identified the Highways and Asset Manager as the decision-maker. | ||
| 2025-03-12 | Highways officer XXRedacted NameXX report on property at IM2 1JN Feb 25 | All information sent |
| A request was made for a highways officer's report regarding potential road collapse and culvert blockage at Springfield Cottage, New Castletown Road. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the full report, which details erosion risks, hydraulic issues, and plans for a structural inspection. | ||
| 2025-03-11 | Criteria applied to decide which roads should be reduced to 20mph. | All information sent |
| The request sought the criteria, decision-making levels, press releases, and consultation processes for the proposed IOM Speed Limits Order 2025. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the specific 'Place', 'Movement', and 'Road Characteristics' criteria used to determine which roads should be reduced to 20mph, along with the policy purpose and Tynwald resolutions supporting the scheme. | ||
| 2025-03-10 | public sector housing breakdown costs for rent | All information sent |
| The requester asked for confirmation on rent uniformity for 3-bedroom properties at Station Park Colby and a detailed breakdown of rental cost components including utilities. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the full 2012 'Calculation of Local Authority Housing Rents' document, which outlines the points-based system used to determine rent. | ||
| 2025-03-04 | Burial Ground Rates | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for the Onchan Burial Ground Revenue Budget Submission and any Department of Infrastructure appraisal for the year to 31 March 2025. The Department provided the submission form but stated that no appraisal records exist as the review process does not produce specific documents. | ||
| 2025-02-25 | Approved Driving Instructor register - UK based firm | All information sent |
| The requester asked about the registration status of UK-based driving instructors for Manx Care ambulance training and the Department of Infrastructure's involvement in Work Permit applications for instructors. The Department disclosed that it is not informed of Work Permit applications but requires proof of a permit for UK ADIs to register on the Isle of Man list. | ||
| 2025-02-20 | Fire Extinguishers in Government Buildings | All information sent |
| The request sought details on fire extinguisher maintenance contracts, quantities, and expenditure for Isle of Man government buildings. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the current provider, contract dates, approximate extinguisher count, and financial data, but refused to provide inspection certificates due to cost and compilation exemptions. | ||
| 2025-02-18 | Linkspan | All information sent |
| The request sought emergency plans for delivering food and people to the Isle of Man if Douglas Harbour or its link spans became inoperable. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the IOM Harbours Business Continuity Plan outlines transferring operations to the remaining linkspan or utilizing alternative berths and container vessels. | ||
| 2025-02-14 | Trees blown down on Surby road | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the cost of clearing trees blown down on Surby road on 7 December. The authority disclosed that the total cost for the work was £1900.00 plus VAT. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-02-12 | Unpaid Harbour Dues | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the number of boats in Douglas marina and storage areas currently in arrears with harbour dues. The authority disclosed the specific count of vessels in arrears for each location. | ||
| 2025-02-11 | Closure of greenlanes during TT | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the decision-making process, specific locations, dates, and impact assessments regarding greenlane closures during the 2025 Isle of Man TT. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that no formal decision or impact assessment has been made yet, though the closures are being monitored by DEFA Rangers and Police. | ||
| 2025-02-10 | TT green lane closure | All information sent |
| The request sought documentation justifying the closure of green lanes during the TT and MGP events to ensure proportionality and necessity. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed internal emails confirming that temporary closures for specific lanes were approved to mitigate damage and danger, while rejecting permanent road extinguishment. | ||
| 2025-02-10 | Closure of Greeways during the TT festival | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the identity of the official who decided to close greenways during the TT festival and whether off-road users were consulted. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the proposal was jointly made by DEFA and DoI officers, no formal decision has been made yet, and the Countryside Access Group representing off-road users was included in discussions. | ||
| 2025-02-04 | Airport crash rescue response time | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for RNLI response times and safety equipment details for aircraft water rescues at the Isle of Man airport following the removal of the airport rescue boat in 2019. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that it does not hold this information because the RNLI is an independent charity, though it confirmed the existence of two Memoranda of Understanding regarding search and rescue cooperation. | ||
| 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 | Burial Ground Rates | All information sent |
| The request sought details on how Burial Ground Rates are calculated for Onchan and whether rates are uniform across the Isle of Man. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the legal framework under the Burials Act 1986, confirmed that each parish sets its own rate based on expenses, and provided a list of rates for the 2025-26 period. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2025-01-29 | 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. | ||
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