Isle of Man Government News

Publication List 16.04.21

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:40 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list.

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 7th May 2021.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and enable assessment of parties for interested person status (as defined in the gov.im/interestedperson), persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Guidance on how to comment on planning applications is available at www.gov.im/planningcomment

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013

Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013

Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013

Amended by

The Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2019

Subscribe to our email alert

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

National Sports Centre to reopen on Monday

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:51:39 GMT

People will be able to use the National Sports Centre again from Monday 19 April, with the exception of the swimming facilities.

The move comes after the Chief Minister confirmed on Thursday that the Island will exit its third coronavirus lockdown at 00:01 on Monday.

It means for the first time in six weeks customers will be able to take advantage of fitness classes and make use of the indoor and outdoor facilities.

The lifting of restrictions will also mean work to complete the water slides and leisure pool area can get underway.

In line with Public Health guidance the swimming facilities must remain closed to the public for this stage but will reopen as soon as possible with the area cordoned off.

It is hoped the flumes and leisure pool will be fully usable for the summer holidays as long as the Island remains free of COVID-19 restrictions.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘I apologise for the temporary closure of the pool hall whilst we work with specialist contractors to complete these essential works.

‘I know many people and children have been looking forward to use the pool at the NSC and I ask for their patience whilst we look to finish this long-delayed project.’

For more information on booking facilities or joining as a member people can call reception on +44 1624 688588 or email nsc@gov.im. Sessions can also be booked online again from Monday.

Applications for Dissolution - 2006 Act Companies

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:08:14 GMT

The Companies Act 2006

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 190(3)

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the Companies referred to in the attached Notice have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Applications for Dissolution - 1931 Act Companies

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:13:22 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 273a(3)(A) of The Companies Act 1931

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the attached companies have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 273a(3)(A) Of The Companies Act 1931. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Financial Sanctions: Iraq

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:26:27 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the removal of entries under the Iraq sanctions regime.

The Iraq (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/707) were made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies involved in the former Government of Iraq and its state bodies, corporations or agencies. The Iraq (Sanctions) EU Exit) Regulations 2020 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Iraq Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0500].

On 16 April 2021 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List.

The following entries have been removed and are no longer subject to an asset freeze:

GENERAL ESTABLISHMENT FOR BAKERIES AND OVENS (Group ID: 8087)

GENERAL ESTABLISHMENT FOR FLOUR MILLS (Group ID: 8091)

IRAQI STATE IMPORT EXPORT ORGANIZATION (Group ID: 8119)

IRAQI STATE IMPORT ORGANIZATION (Group ID: 8120)

STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE FOR EQUIPMENT AND HAND TOOLS (Group ID: 8236)

STADE TRADING ENTERPRISE FOR MACHINERY (Group ID: 8237)

Full details can be found in the attached Annex.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Iraq and links to the UK’s Consolidated List of Individuals and entities subject to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Restoration of health and care services in line with end of lockdown

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 16:13:34 GMT

Health and care services which have been suspended or reduced during the recent lockdown period are to be restored Island-wide from Monday 19 April, in line with the ending of restrictions.

Elective surgery, face to face consultations, outpatient clinics, mental health appointments, health visiting, school nursing, midwifery and therapies provided in the community are among areas preparing to return to their pre-lockdown levels of service following confirmation from Government that lockdown restrictions are to be lifted after a prolonged period with no unexplained cases of Covid-19 in the community.

Services across health and social care will be restored at the earliest opportunity when it is safe and practical to do so, with some making a full return on Monday and others being phased in gradually over the next week. A summary of Manx Care’s plans for each service area is available online in a downloadable document at Manx Care's homepage.

Chief Executive of Manx Care Teresa Cope said:

‘Staff are working extremely hard to ensure services are ready to come back on stream and get back up to speed as soon as possible. Some services will be restored more quickly than others. We aim to resume near full activity in theatres from Monday, and clinicians who have held outpatient clinics by phone or video in recent weeks will be able to see their patients face to face again from the start of next week, in tandem with remote consultations.

‘However some social care services will resume more gradually, including dementia support services, day services for older people and some children’s services, which we expect to return to normal service on 26 April. Adult learning disabilities support staff are busy preparing our day centre facilities and look forward to welcoming service users back to enjoy a full range of activities and opportunities from 4 May.’

Ms Cope added:

‘I’m delighted we are restoring services after a difficult period for our health and care service. I want to thank staff for keeping as much activity going as possible during the two lockdown periods this year, and for helping prepare for a return to normal now the Covid outbreak is behind us.’

Restrictions on visiting Manx Care residential homes for older people will be partially eased next week, and fully lifted from Monday 26 April. In-patients at Noble’s Hospital and Manannan Court will be able to receive visitors from next week, although restrictions may remain in place in certain areas, as previous arrangements are changed to allow a phased return to normal visiting.

The Hospitals’ visiting policy will be updated on the website on Monday 19 April.

GP surgeries, opticians and dental practices which have been restricting in-person visits will revert to an open door policy, and GPs will resume minor surgery. Telephone consultations will continue to be a feature in general practice alongside face to face appointments, whichever is appropriate, and practice staff will continue to conduct a telephone triage when patients call for an appointment, which is now part of their standard practice.

The blood clinic will remain located in the Noble’s reception area for the time being, as the number of visits to the hospital by members of the public increases. The café will re-open at a later date.

Standard infection prevention and control measures will be in place in all health and care settings and it will no longer be compulsory to socially distance or wear a mask. The doors at the main entrance to Noble’s and Emergency Department will continue to be staffed until early May as the return to normal beds in, and people will be asked to sanitise their hands as they enter and leave.

Government counters set to reopen

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:06:23 GMT

Further to the Chief Minister’s announcement that the current circuit break lockdown will end on Monday 19 April, Government’s public counters will begin to reopen next week.

The Treasury’s public counters and reception areas will revert to their usual opening hours on Monday.

The Passports, Immigration, Nationality and EU Settlement counter will open from Tuesday 20 April.

The opening hours are as follows:

Social Security	Days	Times
Markwell House	Monday to Friday	9am – 1pm
Ramsey Town Hall	Tuesdays	9.15am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4.30pm
Customs and Excise	Days	Times
Customs House	Monday to Friday	10am to 4pm
Income Tax	Days	Times
2nd floor Central Government Offices	Monday to Friday	9am to 2pm
Rates	Days	Times
2nd floor Central Government Offices	Monday to Friday	9am to 2pm
Passports, Immigration Nationality and EU Settlement	Days	Times
Ground floor Central Government Offices	Monday to Thursday	9:30am to 4:30pm
Ground floor Central Government Offices	Fridays	9:30am to 4pm

New bus timetable comes into operation from 19 April

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:02:21 GMT

A new bus timetable will come into operation on Monday 19 April containing a number of alterations and improvements in response to passenger demand. It will enable a more efficient usage of buses and ensure that services continue to be reliable and meet the needs of the public during major roadworks.

Claire Christian MHK, Member with responsibility for Transport Services, said:

‘It is important that our bus timetable adapts to customer demand to provide a service that is inclusive. A great deal of work has gone in to the latest update and a number of important changes have been made. The most significant of these changes are around Pulrose, ensuring a continued service to and from the area during highway works. The bus service for this route will be diverted via the Quarterbridge and an additional service, the 21P, is also being added.

‘Due to increased demand, the frequency of buses will be increased on summer Sunday services between Ramsey, Laxey and Douglas, and Monday to Saturday services between Douglas and Peel.

‘Services 8 & 28 between Douglas, Foxdale, Niarbyl, Castletown and Port Erin, and between Port Erin and the Sound will be extended to run on both Saturdays and Sundays, over the summer period. This will increase opportunities to explore our beautiful Island over weekends during the warmer weather. Previously this service had been limited to Sundays only.

‘Those who use the bus service should familiarise themselves with the new timetable as there are a number of extensions to routes and timings will change. With our range of ticketing options, our modern comfortable fleet of buses and improvements to our timetable, we are making the Island’s bus service an easier option for travelling around our Island.’

New timetables are now available to view on www.bus.im with printed booklets available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, Ramsey Bus Station, Port Erin Bus Station, Isle of Man Airport and other outlets, or by calling 662525.

Timetable alterations in more detail

Services 1, 2, 11 & 12 – South Road

During the Pulrose Bridge closure the service will be diverted via the Quarterbridge and some minor intermediate time changes will take place. Most off peak journeys will be operated by the 2a, serving Royal Avenue rather than Summerhill. Summerhill will be operated by the 13 service.

When the hospitality industry reopens and the 00:15 Night Owl service resumes; two additional late evening round trips will be introduced on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Service 3 – Douglas, Laxey & Ramsey

Increased frequency of buses to every 30 minutes on summer Sundays between 10.00 and 17.00 during the summer period.

Service 4 – Douglas, Foxdale, Peel & Niarbyl

Service 14 – Douglas, Foxdale, Ballamodha & Castletown

Service 4 will continue to operate every two hours between Douglas, Foxdale and St Johns. It will then operate via Patrick Road to Patrick and north to Peel terminating at the swimming pool. The central stop in Peel opposite the town hall will continue to be served.

The service between Niarbyl and Peel will continue to operate in the peak hours with a limited number of off peak services making connections at Patrick to Douglas.

Service 14 will only operate at the peak hours as a through service and between Castletown and Higher Foxdale at other times, making connections with the 4 service.

The application to the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) to provide Demand Responsive Rural Transport has not yet been approved and therefore will not commence at this time in the Ballamodha, Glen Maye or Niarbyl areas.

Services 5 & 6 – Douglas, Peel & Ramsey

Increased frequency of buses to every 20 minutes between Douglas and Peel, Monday to Saturday, during the day to meet increasing passenger demand and to ensure service reliability whilst Pulrose Bridge is closed.

When the hospitality industry reopens and the Night Owl service resumes, an additional round trip will be introduced on Friday and Saturday nights, departing Douglas at 22.40 and returning from Peel at 23.10.

Service 13 – Douglas, Onchan, Howstrake, Groudle & Old Laxey

Extended route from Douglas to the Business Park via Ballaughton Manor Hill and returning via Cooil Road every two hours, giving an hourly service between Douglas and the Business Park with the 4 service.

A circular service will operate in Onchan from the village centre via Ballachrink, Windermere Drive, Groudle Old Road, King Edward Road and Royal Avenue. This service will serve Summerhill, Blackberry Lane and Victoria Road instead of the Promenades. The section between Groudle and Old Laxey will be withdrawn.

Service 16 to 20 and Connect Villages – North

The last flexible journey from Jurby to Ramsey at 19.05 will now require pre booking.

The applications to the RTLC to provide an extension of Demand Responsive Rural Transport to include Sundays and the proposed evening experimental service on Friday and Saturday evenings as the Northern Owl have not yet been approved and therefore will not commence operation at this time.

Service 21 – Douglas, Pulrose, Springvalley, Anagh Coar, Farmhill and Business Park. Out of hours to the hospital

With the closure of Pulrose Bridge an additional service will be added, the 21P, operating via the Quarterbridge, doubling back on itself to serve Spring Valley and terminating at Pulrose, between 08:00 and 17:30 Monday to Saturday. The remaining 21B & 21H services will operate via Quarterbridge and Castletown New Road directly to Stephenson Way.

On Sundays and on weekday evenings the 21:00 will be rerouted via the Quarterbridge and will provide the full service. The 21B & 21H will also service Anagh Coar and the Business Park.

Service 22 and 25

The circular route serving Victoria Road, Onchan and Willaston hourly in each direction is unchanged. Between Douglas and Noble’s Hospital there are timing changes reflecting the updates to service 5. This results in one journey an hour extending from Douglas to the hospital and one journey connecting in Douglas. This retains the 20 minute service between Douglas and the hospital.

Services 8 between Douglas, Foxdale, Niarbyl, Castletown and Port Erin, and 28 between Port Erin and the Sound

Extended service to include Saturdays and Sundays between 29 May and 5 September to open up the leisure opportunities over the summer weekends on the Island.

Service 29 – Douglas to Port Soderick

The Tuesday and Friday off peak journeys will remain suspended.

Night Owls

When the hospitality industry reopens the 00:15 services will resume on Friday and Saturday evenings and continue to operate all year.

The additional 01:15 services will operate from 23 July until 4 September, including Sunday 29 August. They will operate again from 3 December to 18 December and New Year’s Eve. This includes a provision of services between Peel and Ramsey during periods that the 01:15 services operate.

Consultation on Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Bill

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:24:42 GMT

Individuals and organisations are being invited to help shape reform of the Island’s licensing laws.

A consultation launched today by the Department of Home Affairs offers an opportunity for those with views on the draft Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Bill 2021 to share them. It is the latest stage in a landmark overhaul of the current licensing regime, and follows a consultation on policy principles earlier this year.

Current alcohol licensing arrangements are in need of reform and the Department is aiming to balance a number of competing needs and aspirations in its proposed licensing regime. Supporting economic growth through a more streamlined licensing process - which is responsive to innovation, represents the needs of all those in the licensed trade and ensures the Island is a healthy and safe place to live - have all been considered.

The Department is grateful for the many responses to the previous policy consultation which have all been carefully reviewed. An enabling Bill taking the feedback into account aims to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose licensing structure and regime suitable for the Island’s future needs.

The Department has a long-standing and positive relationship with the licensed trade and hopes to build on this in the future. Further consultation is planned as a key part of any secondary legislation, and stakeholders, representatives of the industry and the public will be invited to give their views via the Consultation Hub. An overview of the planned legislation along with talking points on the Bill are available alongside the consultation online.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Graham Cregeen MHK said:

‘Following the policy consultation which took place recently, it was clear that the new Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Bill needed to be an enabling one, capable of balance and of supporting the industry in the good times and the bad, in creating opportunities to showcase our beautiful Island and its produce, while keeping the public safe.

He added:

‘This briefer and more enabling Bill aims to bring about legislation that can stand as practical, usable and futureproof. I am grateful to those who responded to the consultation on the policy behind the Bill, which was a valuable exercise, and would encourage everyone with an interest in licensing to respond to this consultation and have their views heard.’

This consultation is now live online at the Consultation hub.

It will be open for two weeks from Friday 16 April 2021 until Thursday 29 April 2021.

Chief Minister's statement on COVID-19 - 15 April 2021

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 18:55:47 GMT

Good evening. Thank you for joining us today.

I must apologise that this briefing is later than we had planned. This was due to a lengthy and ongoing sitting of the House of Keys.

I am joined on Zoom by our Director of Public Health.

Our numbers have continued to go in the right direction. The key here, of course, is ensuring we are not seeing unexplained cases popping up that could mean the virus is spreading through our community unchecked.

The last case where we were unable to identify a clear chain of transmission was towards the end of March. This means that, all being well, Monday will be our twenty-first day without an unexplained case of COVID-19 on our Island.

As you may recall, 21 days is significant. I’ll hand over to our Director of Public Health to talk a little more about this and to give you the latest figures.

Dr Ewart.

Thank you Dr Ewart. Monday then will be an important milestone in this outbreak.

Over the past few weeks, we have gradually eased restrictions, enabling people to team up and form bubbles. We have allowed construction to return. We have allowed gatherings of up to 10 people to take place outside. And we have allowed a small number of retail outlets to reopen – albeit with the usual mitigations of social distancing and face coverings. We have also been able to reopen schools for vulnerable children, those needing to complete important assessments, and the children of essential workers.

As we have worked through each step of this managed exit from lockdown, we have made clear our hope to be able to lift all restrictions on or around the 19 April.

I know how important it is to be able to plan, especially for parents and for our businesses.

What has been crucial throughout has been data, not simply picking a date. Our target of 19 April was based on there being a continued reduction in case numbers and the ability to link any new cases of COVID-19 to travel or an existing chain of transmission.

The Council of Ministers met today and reviewed the latest data, taking advice from Public Health and other senior officials.

We agreed that, based on the data, our society can fully reopen on Monday. All children can return to school, pre-school, nursery or their childminder. Businesses can reopen including the hospitality, indoor leisure and lifestyle sectors. All limits on gatherings will be lifted. People can return to their place of work. Sport can fully resume.

The legal restrictions currently in place will be lifted at one minute past midnight on Sunday night into Monday morning. For now, our borders will remain at level 4 with the existing testing and isolation arrangements.

I know for many of us, this lockdown has felt different. It has been tough. And a year into this pandemic, the restrictions have become more challenging to live with.

The Council of Ministers recognises this. It is one of the reasons we brought in bubbles and ‘deck chairing’. We understand the strain lockdown has had on our community. I do therefore have another announcement to make.

The Council of Ministers today decided that given the current level of risk, ahead of the wider opening on Monday, we are ready for people from different households to be able to gather together insidethis weekend.

For Saturday and Sunday, we are asking you to limit this – like outdoor gatherings – to groups of no more than ten people. This is not a free for all. Please continue to act responsibly. If you can maintain social distancing please do. And we still recommend face coverings. Increasingly these will be personal choices however and we recognise that once people are in their homes, Government has very limited powers or rationale for saying what can and cannot be done.

I hope this will give everyone the chance to spend time with family and friends indoors before the return to a more normal routine on Monday. The change around indoor gatherings will come into effect at one minute past midnight on Friday night into Saturday morning.

When restrictions were lifted at the end of our first lockdown on the 18 June last year, we enjoyed almost seven months of near normality on our Island.

When the virus returned in January, working together, we once again achieved local elimination following a 25 day circuit-break lockdown. After less than a month, however, the virus once again took hold and we found ourselves in this, our third lockdown.

Throughout this pandemic the Government’s overriding priory has been the preservation of life. It is truly heart wrenching to have lost 29 of our own to COVID-19 – four during this outbreak. We can never know how many lives have been saved from the measures we have put in place, but our collective determination as a community to beat the virus has undoubtedly protected people from its ravages.

And although we have done all we can to preserve life, we cannot be – and have not been – blind to the impact this pandemic has had on lives.

There have been costs: to mental health and emotional wellbeing; to relationships; to education; and of course the cost to livelihoods, prosperity and the wider economy.

Our response has always been trying to strike the right balance between the benefits and the impacts of lockdowns and border restrictions.

The sacrifices made by everyone in our community have not just protected lives, they have also bought us time.

When we entered our first lockdown, hopes of developing effective treatments to fight COVID or a vaccine seemed a considerable time away. Come our second lockdown in January, not only had vaccines been developed and tested, we were beginning the roll out of the largest ever mass vaccination programme here on the Island. Come our third lockdown, our vaccination programme was well underway. But we needed more time to get jabs in arms and to get people protected.

As things stand today, we have given at least a first dose to ninety-three percent of the people likely to be most vulnerable to the virus.

This is a game changer. The vaccines will work to protect our most vulnerable from serious disease and death.

As we continue the vaccination programme, we will reach a pivot point in this pandemic. One where we move away from thoughts of eliminating the virus, to instead mitigating its impact and learning to live with it.

We are beginning our journey towards that transition today.

I have said before that we want this lockdown to be our last. That this is now a one way journey. With a comprehensive mass vaccination programme in place – it will be vaccines and the personal choices each and every one of us makes, rather than our Manx bubble, border restrictions and lockdowns imposed by Government, which will serve as our defence against the virus.

No vaccine is one hundred percent effective. Some people will still get ill with COVID and there may unfortunately still be fatalities as there are with other cruel diseases. But the vaccination programme will radically alter the impact the virus has on the vast majority of the population’s health and therefore our society. We will of course focus our efforts on giving the best treatment possible to those who are still exposed to its risks.

Adjusting will take time. I know that. But adjust we must.

There is every likelihood that COVID will return to our Island and it will spread in our community. That is inevitable and I need you to be ready for that. Thanks to the vaccines, our response when this happens is increasingly going to be very different to what you have seen over the past 14 months.

The Council of Ministers is currently working with other members of Tynwald to develop our future response options. This will undoubtedly focus more on offering advice and guidance as opposed to putting in place legal restrictions to protect people, which will no longer be necessary. There will be a greater focus on personal responsibility, responsibility for businesses and organisations, and for people to do what feels right for them.

We need everyone to be aware of, and to maintain, healthy habits. That isn’t just handwashing and sanitising but considering aspects such as the World Health Organisation’s 3Cs – thinking about crowded spaces, confined spaces and close contact situations. Thinking about personal space. Thinking about fresh air.

In the future it is our goal that restrictions will only be brought in when there is a significant threat of our health services being severely impacted or overwhelmed. Our vaccination programme makes this less likely. The remaining area of concern is variants of the virus that may have mutated to such a degree that current vaccines do not offer a sufficient level of protection. But with boosters and ongoing vaccine developments, we can look to the future with hope.

Before moving to questions, it is important for all of us to recognise that some people will feel nervous and apprehensive as we exit lockdown. People should do what they feel is right for them and their loved ones. People may wish to maintain social distancing. Some people may continue to wear face coverings. Some businesses may encourage people to continue to work from home. Some people may choose to work from home.

All of this is ok, and as a society we must allow it, and indeed encourage it.

By making informed choices and by protecting ourselves, we will undoubtedly protect each other and the community as a whole.

Everyone will need space and time. Please be kind. Please be patient. Please be understanding.

Let’s take some questions.

Thank you for those questions.

I have spoken a great deal today about the importance of our vaccination programme. Yesterday we marked 100 days since it began. During that time we have administered more than 63,000 doses of vaccine. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved. This remarkable journey has been tracked in a video, which we will show in a moment at the end of the briefing.

This weekend we begin the next chapter in this pandemic. At times, COVID has kept us apart – but it has also brought us together. This pandemic has tested our community, but in doing so, it has strengthened it. We have been in this together, and we have come through it together. We must continue to draw on this strength and resolve, from which our Manx nation was forged.

My thanks for everything you have done to get us to where we are. Our success is down to you.

Before I finish, a final appeal. Please continue to do the right thing. The virus will return. Please do remain vigilant. If you have any COVID-like symptoms, please don’t ignore them. Self-isolate right away and contact 111 for advice and to arrange a test.

Stay safe.

No new cases of COVID-19 detected – 15 April 2021

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:46:34 GMT

No new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Isle of Man in the past 24 hours.

The current number of active cases of COVID-19 on the Island is 12. No one who has the virus is in hospital.

The dashboard displaying the latest COVID-19 statistics has been updated as of 4pm and can be found on the COVID-19 latest updates page.

Ardwhallan statement

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:15:25 GMT

The Isle of Man Government is taking the opportunity to review all services provided to schools at Ardwhallan following the recent resignation of a member of staff.

The situation means the charity owned centre is temporarily unable to offer normal outdoor sessions, however, the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme will continue to be managed and developed further in the future.

Ardwhallan will remain temporarily shut while the review takes place and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Generations of children and young people have visited the centre in West Baldwin to connect with the great outdoors and take part in activities such as kayaking and rock climbing.

Around 800 children return as free school meal vouchers extended

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:39:20 GMT

Around 800 students were welcomed back to their schools in the Isle of Man on Tuesday as a phased return for children and young people ramped up.

It started on Monday when teachers and school staff were allowed back to the classrooms for the first time since all schools were closed on 5 March.

In total, 448 pupils returned to their primary school on Tuesday with vulnerable children and those of essential workers the first to return. Meanwhile, 347 students attended their secondary school where exam year students have been prioritised to give them time to complete the work required to determine their summer grades.

Under current proposals all children and young people could return to their classes from Monday 19 April but this will depend on the latest data and advice from Public Health. Until this time remote learning will continue to be provided to children unable to attend.

Parents and carers of children who normally get free school meals will receive a Free School Meal Voucher to spend on essential groceries. This will be valued at £11.75 for a primary age child and £14.45 for secondary and can be redeemed at all Shoprite stores.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture said:

‘I am delighted to see children and teachers back in school buildings and at University College Isle of Man.

‘I would like to thank all pupils and their parents for their patience and express my gratitude to teachers and school staff who have been working so hard to support our children and young people in these challenging times. Until all children can return eligible parents will again receive help through our Free School Meal Voucher scheme.’

Childminders, nurseries and playgroups are in a similar position and Government is working with providers to ensure their reopening is aligned with schools.

No new cases of COVID-19 detected – 14 April 2021

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:27:53 GMT

No new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Isle of Man in the past 24 hours.

The current number of active cases of COVID-19 on the Island is 14. No one who has the virus is in hospital.

The dashboard displaying the latest COVID-19 statistics has been updated as of 4pm and can be found on the COVID-19 latest updates page.

Vaccination of adults living with individuals who are immunosuppressed

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 08:54:46 GMT

The Isle of Man’s Covid-19 Vaccination Programme will be prioritising jabs for people aged 16 and over who live with adults who have weakened immune systems, following guidance from the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccinations & Immunisations (JCVI). This includes conditions such as blood cancer, HIV and those on immunosuppressive treatment including chemotherapy.

Currently, individuals who have a weakened immune system and those on immunosuppressive treatment are receiving their vaccination through the Priority Four (clinically extremely vulnerable) or Priority Six (adults with underlying conditions making them susceptible to Covid) groups; however, the vaccinations haven’t been extended to those who live in the same household until now - unless they have been invited by age already.

The new guidance is based on evidence that susceptibility to infection is reduced in those who have been vaccinated, and so vaccinating individuals aged 16+ living with an adult who is immunocompromised is considered to be a beneficial approach by increasing protection.

Minister for Health and Social Care, David Ashford said:

‘It is important that we follow the JCVI guidelines on this to provide increased protection for Manx residents who are more vulnerable to catching Covid-19. I am asking anyone who fits this criteria to contact 111 and identify themselves as ‘living with’, even if they haven’t received a letter yet, in order to arrange their vaccination.

‘The team at 111 will then arrange two appointments for these individuals under the Priority Six category to ensure they are prioritised in the booking schedule. Additionally, our GPs are working hard to ensure everyone in this group is identified and included.’

Alongside this, letters are in the process of being sent out to individuals aged between 40-49 and 30-39, marking the start of Phase Two of the vaccination programme. Manx residents in any of the age categories above 30 years or Phase One priority groups, should register for their vaccination through the online booking system or by calling 111 – even if they are yet to receive their letter. Appointments will be issued either via email or phone as soon as vaccine supplies allow.

Three historic buildings protected for future generations

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:49:09 GMT

Three buildings including a former beachside café and a pub have been added to the Isle of Man’s Protected Buildings Register.

The Cosy Nook in Port Erin, Trafalgar House in Douglas and the Mitre in Kirk Michael were all added on Friday 9 April, after investigations concluded they had the special architectural or historic interest required.

It means the buildings are now protected from demolition, or any alteration or extension that affects their character without first receiving registered building consent.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘Our built environment plays an important role in our cultural and national identity, and we are delighted to register these buildings and preserve them for future generations.

‘Following consultation and investigation we believe they are all of special architectural or historical interest and add character to the Island’s unique landscape.’

The three buildings had been issued with Proposal to Register Notices (PRN) in February before a three week consultation was used to gather further information.

The Manx stone cottages known as the Cosy Nook had been run as a café before it closed in 2019, while Trafalgar House, which is currently on the market, was converted from a pub into a residential property in 2010.

The Mitre is a working pub and parts of the building are believed to be have been built in the 16th century, making them around 500-years-old.

Currently around 250 buildings, ranging from thatched cottages to churches, are on the register.

Food and drink producers sought for summer events

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:17:39 GMT

Local food and drink producers are being invited to showcase their goods at three major events in the Isle of Man this year.

Exhibitors will be able to exhibit their wares to the thousands of people expected to visit the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival and the Government’s Manx Produce Marquee at the Southern and Royal Manx agricultural shows. The dates and venues are:

The Southern Agricultural Show - 31 July and 1 August at Orrisdale Farm, Ballasalla
The Royal Manx Agricultural Show - 13 and 14 August at Knockaloe, Patrick
Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival - 18 and 19 September at the Villa Marina Gardens

Local producers can apply for one or more by downloading application forms from www.gov.im/manxfood (shows) and www.gov.im/food (festival), calling +44 1624 687520 or by emailing lucy.verdon@gov.im.

The deadline for applications is 7 May 2021.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘The events are a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profiles, reach new audiences, and showcase the Island’s fantastic local food and drink. Last year alone the Food and Drink Festival attracted 16,000 people and generated an estimated £432,000 for our economy.’

The safety of visitors and those exhibiting will be paramount at this year’s events and organisers will put appropriate measures in place if necessary.

No new cases of COVID-19 detected – 13 April 2021

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:23:37 GMT

No new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Isle of Man in the past 24 hours.

The current number of active cases of COVID-19 on the Island is 21. No one who has the virus is in hospital.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, said:

'It is great to see another day of no cases. Each day without cases – especially cases that we cannot explain – brings us a day closer to exiting this lockdown.

'All being well, 19 April will be the twenty-first day with no unexplained cases. This would give us a high level of certainty that COVID is no longer circulating in the community.

'Unless there are events that give us significant cause for concern before then, our intention remains that we will lift all legal restrictions from 19 April.

'Even after lockdown we will all need to be more vigilant. Government will continue to explain the risks and share with the public ways to reduce them. As we step out of people’s lives, we will need everyone to continue to make the right decisions for themselves and our wider community.

'Businesses should begin preparations for potentially reopening from Monday and may choose to have measures in place for a little while longer. That would be a matter for them. I hope they will also develop plans in the event of future outbreaks. If they need help with any of this, Government stands ready to support them.'

The dashboard displaying the latest COVID-19 statistics has been updated as of 4pm and can be found on the COVID-19 latest updates page.

Declaration of Dissolution - 1931 Act Companies

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:16:34 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 273a(10) of The Companies Act 1931

In accordance with the above Section, the Department for Enterprise hereby declares that the Companies referred to in this Notice are dissolved.

Declaration of Dissolution - 2006 Act Companies

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:35:27 GMT

The Companies Act 2006

Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 190(9) of The Companies Act 2006

In accordance with the above Section, the Department for Enterprise hereby declares that the Companies referred to in this Notice are dissolved.