The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee of Tynwald has published its inaugural annual report, documenting a period of activity and scrutiny from November 2021 to August 2023.

As one of three standing Policy Review Committees of Tynwald, it scrutinises the established policies of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and the Department of Infrastructure, as well as associated Statutory Boards and bodies.

The report was received at the April 2024 sitting of Tynwald and highlights the committee’s commitment to provide active oversight. It reflects on the twenty meetings undertaken in the period, which included six public hearings with stakeholders.

Topics ranged from the Active Travel Strategy and climate change, through to waste management, and the operations of the Manx Utilities Authority.

Committee Chair, Rob Mercer MLC, emphasised the importance of these discussions:

"The Committee’s public hearings have been instrumental in addressing critical issues such as sustainable travel, environmental protection, and public health. They allow us to gauge the effectiveness of existing policies and identify areas where further attention is required."

During this time, the committee revisited the operations of the Meat Plant, affirming recommendations from their 2021 report and pledging ongoing oversight.

Additionally, the report reflects on the committee’s recommendations around the Active Travel Strategy, and Tynwald’s resolution of June 2023.

The committee also highlights its current inquiries into waste management practices, the Isle of Man Biosphere Reserve, and other areas of interest including the logistics of travel to and from the Island.

At the April 2024 sitting of Tynwald, the committee successfully made a recommendation that all papers laid before Tynwald should clearly state their publication date and authoring body.

The Chair, Mr. Mercer, noted:

“As we aim to cultivate a culture of openness and transparency, it is vital that government documents reflect that and are easily identifiable for scrutiny. During our evidence gathering we noted the difficulty of understanding when a report was published, who was responsible for it, and sometimes which version of a report was the most current”

The committee’s report is accessible via the Tynwald website, offering a detailed account of its proceedings, evidence sessions, and media releases, alongside supporting documents.

The members of the committee are Rob Mercer MLC (Chair), David Ashford MHK and Diane Kelsey MLC.

To learn more about the report, the Committee’s ongoing work, or to write to it, please visit its website or email committees@tynwald.org.im.  

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NB:  This media release will be reported to Tynwald in due course.

For further information contact:

Carlos Phillips
Clerk to the Committee
Legislative Buildings, Douglas, IM1 3PW

Tel: (01624) 685500
Email: committees@tynwald.org.im

About the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee: The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee of Tynwald is tasked with examining matters relating to environmental policies and infrastructure projects on the Isle of Man. It aims to ensure that government actions are efficient, effective, and aligned with the best interests of the public and the environment.