CRHS playing fields and ground source heat array

Summary

The request sought cost breakdowns and operational details for Castle Rushen High School's new playing fields and ground source heat pump system. The authority disclosed installation dates and the system's current non-operational status but withheld specific cost figures, citing that the information was already publicly accessible or would require excessive research.

Key Facts

• The Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system was installed as part of the Playing Fields Project completed in March 2023.
• The GSHP pipes were installed approximately in May 2021.
• The system is not currently connected to the school building.
• The system has not been in operation since completion to prevent deterioration during the interim period.
• The intended purpose of the GSHP is to provide heating or cooling when the new school is constructed.

Data Disclosed

• March 2023
• May 2021
• Case ID 4239441
• Section 20 of the Act
• Freedom of Information Act 2015

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)
• Requirement to undertake research or analysis (not required under the Act)

Original Request

Please provide a breakdown of the total costs to date of the new playing fields established at Castle Rushen high school, In addition regarding the ground source heat pump (GSHP) system associated with CRHS. Specifically: * What was the total cost of installing the GSHP system? * Was this cost included in the overall school redevelopment budget, or was it funded separately? * When was the installation of the GSHP system completed? * Has the system been fully operational since its completion? * Is the GSHP system directly connected to Castle Rushen High School, providing heating or cooling for the building? * If it is not connected, what is the intended purpose of the system? What was the CO2 emissions from the project versus what was estimated?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Policy, Strategy and Governance Division Department of Education, Sport and Culture Thie Slieau Whallian Foxdale Road St Johns IM4 3AS

Telephone: (01624) 685808 Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im

Our ref: 4296753 17th February 2025

Dear ###,

We write further to your request, received 4 December 2024, which states:

"Please provide a breakdown of the total costs to date of the new playing fields established at Castle Rushen high school,

In addition regarding the ground source heat pump (GSHP) system associated with CRHS. Specifically:

• What was the total cost of installing the GSHP system?

• Was this cost included in the overall school redevelopment budget, or was it funded separately?

• When was the installation of the GSHP system completed?

• Has the system been fully operational since its completion?

• Is the GSHP system directly connected to Castle Rushen High School, providing heating or cooling for the building?

• If it is not connected, what is the intended purpose of the system?

What was the CO2 emissions from the project versus what was estimated?"

Our response to your request is as follows:

1. Please provide a breakdown of the total costs to date of the new playing fields established at Castle Rushen high school.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide some of the information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.

By way of advice and assistance, information relating to the New Playing Fields at the Castle Rushen High School Development is available to view on page three of the following Explanatory memorandum to Tynwald Members via the below link:

https://www.tynwald.org.im/spfile?file=/business/opqp/sittings/20182021/CRHS- Playing-Fields-MEMO.pdf

Further, the Department has recently disclosed the costs associated with the new Castle Rushen High School development at feasibility, pre-contract and post-contract stage, under the Freedom of Information Act 2015. You can view the information via the Isle of Man Government Disclosure Log (https://services.gov.im/freedom-of- information/search), by searching 4239441 in the Case ID field.

1. What was the total cost of installing the GSHP system?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance complying with your request for information would require the Department to undertake research into, or analysis of information that it holds. Which the Department is not required to do under the Act.

1. Was this cost included in the overall school redevelopment budget, or was it funded separately?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide some of the information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.

By way of advice and assistance, information relating to the Ground Source Heat Pump installation at the Castle Rushen High School Development is available to view via the following link:

https://www.tynwald.org.im/spfile?file=/business/opqp/sittings/20182021/CRHS- Playing-Fields-MEMO.pdf

1. When was the installation of the GSHP system completed?

The Ground Source Heat Pump system was installed as part of the Castle Rushen High School Playing Fields Project, which was completed in March 2023, with the pipes being installed approximately May 2021.

1. Has the system been fully operational since its completion?

The system has not been in operation since completion. To ensure the system does not deteriorate during the period between installation and construction/commissioning of the new high school, the system was filled and pumped to prevent any settlement within the pipework and will be kept at a pressure to resist crushing.

1. Is the GSHP system directly connected to Castle Rushen High School, providing heating or cooling for the building?

The system is not currently connected to the school.

1. If it is not connected, what is the intended purpose of the system?

The installed Ground Source Heat Pump System is intended to be used when the new school is constructed.

Further information relating to the purpose of the system is available to view on page one of the linked document provided in response to question one of this response.

1. What was the CO2 emissions from the project versus what was estimated?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

Please quote the reference number 4296753 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.