Government's' land ownership in German, Patric and Malew Parishes.

Summary

The requester asked for maps showing government-owned land and watercourses in the parishes of German, Patrick, and Malew. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to provide the information under FOI, stating it is already reasonably accessible through the government's mapping unit.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 31 May 2021 and responded to on 14 June 2021.
• The authority determined the information is already reasonably accessible to the public.
• The requested maps can be obtained from the Isle of Man Government mapping unit for a fee.
• Public map galleries and general overview maps are available online and at retailers.
• The request was closed without disclosing the specific maps requested.

Data Disclosed

• 1815735
• 2021-05-31
• 2021-06-14
• 14th June 2021
• 31st May 2021
• 01624 685854
• 01624 685851
• 01624 685924
• 1:25,000
• section 20

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information already reasonably accessible)

Original Request

Access to digital or physical maps showing the location of land, neighbouring watercourses, owned by the Isle of Man Government in the Parishes of German, Patrick and Malew.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im www.gov.im

Our ref: 1815735 14th June 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 31st May 2021 and which states:

"Access to digital or physical maps showing the location of land, neighbouring watercourses, owned by the Isle of Man Government in the Parishes of German, Patrick and Malew."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee. The information you requested is available from the Isle of Man Government mapping unit who can provide a map survey service on behalf of the Government and this can be obtained in both electronic and hard copy formats (licence conditions and charges may apply). For general mapping enquiries please call 01624 685924 or email mapping@gov.im or visit the website https://gov.im/categories/planning-and-building-control/mapping/ Some other mapping and themed overlays can be viewed by visiting public map galleries at https://www.gov.im/maps/ A general overview map such as the Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Map (1:25,000 scale) normally includes drainage, relief and many other features which is available at many retailers on the Island.

Please quote the reference number 1815735 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper

version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely