Department of Infrastructure

Overview

Metric Value
Total FOI requests 952
Date range 2017-01-03 to 2026-02-24
Full disclosure rate 47.4% (451/952)
Partial disclosure 265
Fully refused/exempt 195

Outcome Breakdown

Outcome Count %
All information sent 451 47.4%
Some information sent but not all held 145 15.2%
Information not held 123 12.9%
Some information sent but part exempt 120 12.6%
No information sent - all held but exempt 53 5.6%
Not required to fulfill request 22 2.3%
Not upheld 12 1.3%
Upheld - partial 10 1.1%
Vexatious request 6 0.6%
Request lapsed - requested information not provided 5 0.5%
Withdrawn 3 0.3%
Upheld - full 1 0.1%
Neither confirm or deny information held 1 0.1%

Requests by Year

Year Count
2017 75
2018 68
2019 73
2020 89
2021 100
2022 122
2023 140
2024 116
2025 138
2026 31

Top Topics

Notable Cases (256)

[+] Cancellation of flights

2026-02-17 | All information sent

A request was made to verify easyJet's claim that ground operations were suspended at Isle of Man Airport on 27 January 2026 due to strong winds. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing detailed METAR weather reports showing wind speeds and conditions during the incident.

  • The request concerned an easyJet flight disruption from Isle of Man to London Gatwick on 27 January 2026.
  • easyJet attributed the overnight delay to strong winds preventing ground crew from working safely.
  • The authority provided raw METAR weather data instead of a direct confirmation of operational suspension.

Data: 27/01/26, 11041G54KT, 4000, Q0977, 05/04

[-] AIC Record Preservation Policies

2026-02-17 | Some information sent but part exempt

The requester sought policies regarding record preservation and deletion authority for Airport Identity Card (AIC) applications, specifically concerning disputes and legal proceedings. The Department of Infrastructure partially disclosed the 'Pass Office Programme' document (Version 7.0) but redacted specific sections citing Section 25 exemptions.

  • The response includes the 'Pass Office Programme' document, Version 7.0, issued in April 2025.
  • The document has a default review period of 1 year and a retention period of 5 years.
  • Multiple sections of the provided document were redacted under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Data: 31-Jan-2020, 10/APR/2025, 10/APR/2026, 5 Years, 1 Year

Exemptions: Section 25

[-] Easyjet, Saturday am flight 14th February 2026

2026-02-17 | Some information sent but part exempt

The requester sought information regarding the operational status and staffing of Isle of Man Airport on the morning of February 15, 2026, specifically concerning a delayed Easyjet flight. The authority disclosed a partial Fire Service watch room log from February 14, 2026, detailing staffing changes and wildlife vehicle movements, but withheld other requested documents citing partial exemptions.

  • The request was submitted on February 17, 2026, and the response was issued on March 16, 2026.
  • The disclosed document is an AFS Watch room Log covering the date February 14, 2026.
  • The log indicates the Air Traffic Control (ATC) advised the airfield would close at 19:00 for 35 minutes.

Data: 14/02/2026, 15/02/2026, 17/02/2026, 16/03/2026, 19:00

[-] Bus Shelter Costs

2026-02-10 | Some information sent but part exempt

A request was made for detailed cost breakdowns of bus shelters constructed or replaced by the Department of Infrastructure between September 2021 and March 2026. The authority responded with a list of locations and work types but provided costs only in broad ranges to protect commercial sensitivity, rather than exact figures.

  • The Department of Infrastructure provided cost data for bus shelter works from September 2021 to March 2026.
  • Exact costs were withheld and replaced with broad monetary ranges to protect commercial sensitivity.
  • Work types included new installations, RTC rebuilds, refurbishments, and relocations.

Data: £1,000–£10,000, £8,000–£12,000, £0–£4,000, £200–£2,000, £2,000–£4,000

Exemptions: Commercial sensitivity

[+] New Royal Avenue Bus Shelter

2026-02-09 | All information sent

A requester inquired about the quality and cost of a new bus shelter base on Royal Avenue, which they claimed resembled a paddling pool. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the works have not been signed off due to quality concerns and disclosed the specific cost of the base installation.

  • The concrete base for the new Royal Avenue bus shelter has not been signed off.
  • Quality concerns regarding the works are currently being reviewed by the Highways Division.
  • The cost for installing the shelter base was £3,450.

Data: £3,450, 2026-02-09, 2026-03-03, 5291898

[~] Former Minister Comments - Castletown Governance

2026-01-29 | Information not held

A request for documents regarding governance failures and corruption allegations at Castletown Town Commissioners was largely refused as the Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold the specific briefing papers, audits, or policy assessments requested.

  • The Department of Infrastructure confirmed it holds no briefing papers, emails, or reports claiming corruption or conflicts of interest regarding Castletown.
  • Clause 5 of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill was introduced via a Private Members Amendment, not as a primary justification based on specific local authority failures.
  • The Local Government Team has been seeking to remain neutral in an ongoing dispute within the Castletown Commissioners.

Data: 29 January 2026, 1st April 2025, 27 January 2026, 26 February 2026, Clause 5

Exemptions: Section 35 of the Act (prejudice to the effective conduct of public business)

[-] Tender process

2026-01-15 | Some information sent but part exempt

The request sought documentation regarding the tender process for leasing a redundant shed at Dhoon Quarry. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed email correspondence and an advertisement detailing the property's condition, rental terms, and the offer submission deadline, while redacting personal contact details and specific proposed uses under exemptions.

  • The Department of Infrastructure manages the leasing of the Dhoon Quarry shed through the Public Estates and Housing Division.
  • The property is approximately 50 square metres and requires extensive repairs including reroofing, door replacement, and electrical installation.
  • The advertised asking rental was £100 per annum plus VAT, with the tenant responsible for all repairs and outgoings.

Data: 2026-01-15, 2026-02-18, 06 August 2020, 03 August 2020, 08 September 2020

Exemptions: Section 25; Section 2; Section 30

[+] Coal tar identified in road surface

2026-01-09 | All information sent

The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for a list of roads containing coal tar and those causing project delays by providing a summary table of 77 identified highways. The response confirmed that 43 of these locations are currently affecting surfacing programmes due to the presence of coal tar waste.

  • Formal testing for coal tar on highways began in 2022.
  • A total of 77 highways were identified as containing asphalt with coal tar levels exceeding 50mg/kg of Benzo[a]pyrene.
  • 43 of the identified roads are currently causing delays or removals in Department of Infrastructure surfacing programmes.

Data: 77, 43, 50mg/kg, 2022, 2026-01-09

[+] Mountain road closures

2026-01-05 | All information sent

The request sought the total hours of full and partial closures of the Mountain Road in 2025. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing three statutory notices detailing specific temporary closures for maintenance works, confirming that all requested information was sent.

  • The A18 Mountain Road was fully closed between Ramsey Hairpin and Creg-Ny-Baa Back Road from 28 July to 1 August 2025 for stone wall repairs.
  • A second full closure occurred from 20 October to 23 October 2025 between Beinney Phott Road and Creg-Ny-Baa Back Road for drainage and surfacing works.
  • A third closure was scheduled for 8 July 2025 with contingency dates up to 11 July for road surface treatment and maintenance.

Data: 28 July 2025, 1 August 2025, 9.00am, 5.00pm, 20 October 2025

[+] 25% provision of first time buyer homes

2025-12-30 | All information sent

A request was made regarding the Reaynt Mie development in Ballasalla to determine the number of first-time buyer homes built, available, or commuted to payments, along with the allocation process. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 56 homes have been completed, 5 are unoccupied but allocated, and 52.75 units were commuted to payments, while clarifying they do not hold data on potential build numbers prior to completion.

  • The maximum potential provision of first-time buyer homes upon full completion of the Reaynt Mie development is 108.
  • 56 first-time buyer homes have been completed to date.
  • 5 completed first-time buyer homes are currently unoccupied but allocated and progressing through legal purchase processes.

Data: 108, 56, 5, 52.75, 25%

[+] Reconstruct Douglas Promenade

2025-12-23 | All information sent

The request sought details on descoped works and completion dates for the Douglas Promenade reconstruction. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific omitted elements, works transferred to in-house teams, and confirmed that the tram line extension lacks a definitive delivery date pending further approval.

  • The major reconstruction of the Douglas Promenade commenced in September 2018.
  • In 2020, Council of Ministers approved accelerating the scheme to minimize impacts on local businesses and the community.
  • The installation of the tram line south of Castle Mona Avenue to the Bottleneck car park was omitted entirely from the scope.

Data: September 2018, 2020, 23 December 2025, 20 January 2026, 5185101

[~] Historical Records for Former Douglas Bus Station Site and Surrounding

2025-12-23 | Information not held

A request was made for historical records regarding underground infrastructure at the former Douglas bus station site, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held.

  • The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested historical maps, plans, or surveys.
  • The Freedom of Information Act 2015 only applies to information created on or after 11 October 2011.
  • Most of the requested records predate the 2011 Act and are therefore outside its scope.

Data: 11 October 2011, 23 December 2025, 8 January 2026, 5190945, section 4(1)

Exemptions: Section 4(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (temporal scope limitation)

[-] Status report of locomotive 16 "Mannin" received from Severn Valley Ra

2025-12-17 | Some information sent but part exempt

The request sought a status report, correspondence, and restoration timeline for locomotive 16 'Mannin' from the Department of Infrastructure. The authority released partial correspondence regarding work progress and purchase orders but withheld specific costs and details under exemptions.

  • Locomotive 16 'Mannin' is undergoing restoration work by Severn Valley Railway Holdings Ltd.
  • Correspondence indicates that Section A of the worklist is complete, while the boiler is expected to finish before the chassis.
  • Mike Szender of the Isle of Man Railways issued Purchase Order MSz_1033898 to cover ongoing frame work.

Data: 2025-12-17, 2026-01-20, 15/01/2026, 02 August 2024, 28 June 2024

Exemptions: Section 25; Section 30

[-] easyJet discussions

2025-12-16 | No information sent - all held but exempt

A request was made for correspondence regarding discussions between the Department of Infrastructure, DfE, and easyJet about the future of the Isle of Man Airport. The Department refused to disclose the information, citing exemptions related to the prejudice of Council of Ministers' deliberations and suggesting the requester contact the airline directly.

  • The request was received on 2025-12-16 and the outcome was issued on 2026-01-08.
  • The Department of Infrastructure determined that all requested information was held but exempt.
  • The authority suggested the requester contact easyJet directly as they may hold relevant information.

Data: 2025-12-16, 2026-01-08, 5169080, Section 20, Section 15

Exemptions: Section 20: Information already reasonably accessible; Section 15: Information held by a third party (easyJet); Section 35: Prejudice to the work of the Council of Ministers (qualified exemption)

[+] Housing Agency Terms of Reference

2025-12-09 | All information sent

The request sought details on the legal formation, membership, and terms of reference of the Isle of Man Housing Agency. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the Agency is an internal structure rather than a separate legal entity, operates under delegated powers from the Minister, and has a board of 12 positions.

  • The Housing Agency is not a statutory board or separate legal entity but an internal structure within the Department of Infrastructure.
  • The Agency operates under the Government Departments Act 1987 using powers delegated by the Minister for Infrastructure.
  • The board consists of 12 total positions when fully attended, including political members, independent non-IOMG members, and advisors.

Data: 12, Government Departments Act 1987, AT 13 of 1987, 2025-12-09, 2026-01-08

Most Cited Exemptions

Exemption Times Cited
Information not held 20
Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information reasonably accessible) 10
Section 25 8
Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information already reasonably accessible) 7
Information not held by the public authority 6
Data Protection Act 2002 5
Section 25 of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information) 5
Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018 5
Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps 5
Section 35 5

See Also