NSC pool tiles

Summary

A request was made for details regarding the unresolved broken tiles at the National Sports Centre swimming pool, including repair timelines and insurance status. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded that the request consisted of questions rather than a request for held information, resulting in a partial disclosure where some information was not held.

Key Facts

• The broken tiles at the NSC swimming pool were first identified in November 2023.
• The Department stated that repairs cannot proceed until the root cause is identified.
• The authority clarified that the request contained questions rather than a request for existing information.
• The Department does not hold or cannot find some of the information requested after taking reasonable steps.
• Clarification was sought on 15 January 2026 to narrow the scope of the request.

Data Disclosed

• November 2023
• 2026-01-12
• 2026-01-15
• 2026-02-09
• section 8 (3)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015
• 3 pages
• 1 document

Exemptions Cited

• Section 8 (3)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (substantial compilation and collation)
• Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps

Original Request

I am writing to seek clear answers regarding the unresolved issue with the broken tiles at the National Sports Centre swimming pool, first identified in November 2023. While the Department has repeatedly stated that repairs cannot proceed until the 'root cause' of the problem has been identified, this explanation is increasingly difficult to accept given the length of time that has passed. I would therefore be grateful if you could address the following points directly: * Why has the issue still not been resolved more than 2 years after it was identified, and what specific technical uncertainty is still preventing repairs from being undertaken? * What concrete actions have been taken during this period to progress a permanent solution, and what measurable outcomes have resulted from those actions? * Why has a temporary or partial repair not been carried out to restore full use of the pool while investigations continue? Shortening the lane is not a repair. * When will the issue be fixed? Please provide a clear and realistic timetable, or explain precisely why one cannot currently be given. I would also like clarification regarding insurance and funding: * Does the Department hold appropriate insurance to cover defects or failures of this nature at the NSC? * If so, why has this insurance not been used to fund or expedite repairs? * If no insurance claim has been made, or if a claim was rejected, please explain the reasons. Finally, I ask for transparency regarding future planning: * Is the Department intending to delay major repair work until closer to the Island Games? * If so, why has this approach not been communicated openly to NSC users and the wider public? Given the importance of the NSC to the Island's sporting community, I believe users are entitled to clear, honest answers and a demonstrable plan to resolve this long-running issue. I look forward to your response.

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: 5223321 9 February 2026

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 12 January 2026, which states:

"I am writing to seek clear answers regarding the unresolved issue with the broken tiles at the National Sports Centre swimming pool, first identified in November 2023.

While the Department has repeatedly stated that repairs cannot proceed until the 'root cause' of the problem has been identified, this explanation is increasingly difficult to accept given the length of time that has passed. I would therefore be grateful if you could address the following points directly:

• Why has the issue still not been resolved more than 2 years after it was identified, and what specific technical uncertainty is still preventing repairs from being undertaken?

• What concrete actions have been taken during this period to progress a permanent solution, and what measurable outcomes have resulted from those actions?

• Why has a temporary or partial repair not been carried out to restore full use of the pool while investigations continue? Shortening the lane is not a repair.

• When will the issue be fixed? Please provide a clear and realistic timetable, or explain precisely why one cannot currently be given.

I would also like clarification regarding insurance and funding:

• Does the Department hold appropriate insurance to cover defects or failures of this nature at the NSC?

• If so, why has this insurance not been used to fund or expedite repairs?

• If no insurance claim has been made, or if a claim was rejected, please explain the reasons. Finally, I ask for transparency regarding future planning:

• Is the Department intending to delay major repair work until closer to the Island Games?

• If so, why has this approach not been communicated openly to NSC users and the wider public?

Given the importance of the NSC to the Island's sporting community, I believe users are entitled to clear, honest answers and a demonstrable plan to resolve this long- running issue.

I look forward to your response."

Further clarification was sought on the 15th January 2026 which states:
“Whilst the Department aims to provide information whenever possible, our initial review of your request for information indicates there are three parts to your request (as above) and to respond to the request in its current form would require the Department to undertake substantial compilation and collation of information. Which the Department is not required to do under section 8 (3)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. By way of advice and assistance, we could process one of the following parts within the processing period: 1. Part 1
2. Part 2 -3”

A response was received on the 15th January 2026 which states:
“Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. If you would be able to proceed with Part 1 for me, that would be appreciated.”

Response 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 some of the information that you have requested.

Upon review of Part 1 of your request the points you submitted are more questions, rather than a request for information. The purpose of the FOI Act is that each information request should be for information that is both likely to be held by the Department, that promotes a public interest.

By way of advice and assistance the Department is continuing to seek advice and consider how best to progress and to remediate the cause of the issue.
Options for repair are ongoing as well as ensuring the issue doesn’t happen again in the future.
This is still a live matter for the Department and currently, it is not possible to accurately advise of a timescale to resolve the issue. The Department continues to consider the most appropriate way forward and will provide an update in due course.

Should you wish to submit a fresh request in simplified terms please complete and submit the required form available on our website at:
www.gov.im/about-the-government/freedom-of-information/make-a-freedom- ofinformation-request/

Should you require any assistance to reformulate your request please do not hesitate to contact descicaseworkfoi@gov.im who will be able to assist.

Please quote the reference number 5223321 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.