It's been 10 months since Crogga's licence to extract gas from an area off the Island's coast expired.And now, a bid in Tynwald for government to invite applications for a fresh hydrocarbons exploration has been squashed by the Island's lawmakers.In the sitting of parliament this week, Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas called for a report with recommendations for debate and decision to be brought back by July next year.But he didn't get the backing of the court - as Siobhán Fletcher reports.
A man in Kirk Michael is attempting to complete a mammoth 31 marathons in 31 days.Every day this month Albert Johnson is pounding the pavements as part of efforts to raise money in memory of his friend Graham Brew, who took his own life several years ago.So far more than £1600 has been contributed towards his fundraiser for Autism Initiatives UK.Manx Radio's Lewis Foster has been catching up with Albert this afternoon, after he completed marathon number 11.
Former insurance underwriter, Malcolm Lambert tells Simon Richardson why he believes many homeowners are unwittingly under insuring their properties.
A red weather warning for coastal overtopping comes into force from 1pm, resulting in the closure of Shore Road, Castletown Promenade, Ramsey Promenade, Tent Road in Laxey and the section between Summerhill Road to Port Jack in Douglas from lunch time.Kirsty Wilding says while the worst of the rain has now passed, peak winds in the early to middle of the afternoon could reach storm force.
The December sitting of Tynwald gets underway today (9 December) and amongst the topics on the agenda is government's commitment to Net-Zero.Specifically, Middle MHK Stu Peters is to move a motion calling for a referendum on whether or not to abandon the policy.Siobhán Fletcher speaks to Stu on the proposal, and hears from the Isle of Man Green Party, who are opposed to it.
A number of services normally delivered at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital are being temporarily relocated while Manx Care continues to deal with a pest control problem there.The healthcare provider says the work coincides with the completion of pest control measures at Martin Ward, which has been closed since October.It includes a comprehensive deep cleaning and inspection programme, along with other structural improvements.Amy Griffiths has been finding out more from Chief Executive Teresa Cope:
A Manx woman hopes her business can help provide a community to women on the Isle of Man who've suffered hair loss. Megan Coulthurst runs Embrace Wigs, a wig shop which also provides consultations to those trying to find the best fit for them.She has alopecia herself, and lost her hair three years ago.Megan has been telling Amy Griffiths why she wanted to start the business:
Douglas Council is planning to sell 35 social housing properties which require 'significant investment' to the private market. The local authority says it has met with the tenants on Falcon Cliff Terrace and Marathon Drive who will be affected and is operating with a 'tenants first' policy. It's confirmed that each house will be sold individually to avoid them being 'swept up' by a developer, and this will start with six vacant homes in the next few weeks. Leader of Douglas Council Devon Watson says the money from the sales will be ring fenced for future social housing developments in the city. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.
Treasury will continue to work with the banks to offer appointments to MiCard users in the north and south of the Island who want to open an account, according to the minister. After this month the current card will cease from working and so a new one needs to be given to those, who cannot open an account or don't want to receive it in the form of a cheque.
Manx Youth Orchestra is returning to the Villa Marina for its Christmas Concert on Saturday, after last year's event was cancelled due to Storm Darragh.Around 150 young musicians will perform across ensembles spanning wind, strings, and the full orchestra, in a programme mixing seasonal and film music.Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Miss Victoria Hope, Daniel, Matthew and Daniel to find out more.
An MHK wants to bring in new legislation that would block development on Ramsey's South Beach.Ramsey member Lawrie Hooper will ask for leave to introduce a bill that would prevent development on the site.Plans for a 400-berth yacht marina on the beach were unveiled in 2019, although the project has not progressed.Mr Hooper's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:
Plans are progressing for a new sheltered housing building and commissioner's office space in Laxey. Garff Commissioners is hoping to take over the former Princes Motors site to build new accommodation for residents and is due to submit a planning application soon. The local authority wants to fund the site partly from the housing deficiency fund from government and from the sale of its current building - which it's hoped will mean rates won't be as affected. Julie Mattin, who runs the local authority's Cooil Roi property, says it 'breaks her heart' to tell people there's a two year wait for accommodation in the area. She's been speaking to Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper.
Treasury is trying to engage with about 600 MiCard users who haven't contacted the department yet. At the end of the year the cards, which have been used since 2009, are 'hardwired' to stop working. On Wednesday, a drop-in session will be held with four of the Island's banks at Markwell House to assist people who haven't been able to open a bank account yet.
The education minister says her department is listening to feedback and actively tweaking menus for school meals.It as figures show a decline in the uptake since a new menu was introduced in September, which cut the amount of ultra-processed foods, increased the amount of Manx produce, and swapped desserts for fruit and milk.Data provided in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer shows a trend towards pupils bringing their own packed lunch.In this edition of Newscast, Education Minister Daphne Caine brings Lewis Foster up to speed with how the menu is being received.
A Ramsey Commissioner says residents of the town must make their voices heard about the Department of Infrastructures plans for new flood defences. Next Monday (24 November) the DoI is holding drop-in sessions for people to look at the plans and provide feedback - this is taking place at the town hall during its usual opening hours. The department previously submitted plans in 2021 which could've seen the removal of 50 parking spaces as well as a concrete wall and new pavements. Juan McGuinness says the town is under 'threat' of tidal flooding and believes that the defences need to be in place to protect homes and businesses on the quayside.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.
"Every child deserves the right to an education."Those are the words of a Manx mum, after politicians backed her Tynwald Day petition to implement neurodiversity training across all the Island's schools.Last month, Tynwald unanimously supported a motion committing to making adaptive and inclusive practice a core part of teacher training.The Department of Education must now return to the court with a phased timeline for implementation by February next year.Nichola Whitlam-Beckett, whose petition was the basis of the motion, has been sharing her reaction with Amy Griffiths:
A Douglas Central MHK is calling on his fellow Tynwald members to back his call for a new select committee to be formed.Chris Thomas wants a review of the suitability of frameworks for the Island's financial services and eGaming sectors.
A Manx farmer says the sector 'needs to come together and find a solution' following the announcement that Milan Vets will no longer carry out farm veterinary services.The practice says it will no longer be able to treat livestock from the end of the month, citing a long-term decline in the number of farm clients.Milan Vets is owned by Independent Vetcare Limited, a large veterinary group that operates many practices across the British Isles, and it's been suggested that the decision to withdraw these services has been made off-Island.In this edition of Newscast with Lewis Foster, Manx Radio Countryside presenter Kirree Kermode - from Orrisdale Farm in Ballasalla - says it's a worrying time for the sector.
Students on their way to becoming qualified counsellors have spoken of the benefits of being able to complete their studies on-Island.The organisation Brighter Teaching brought its training services to the Isle of Man in 2023, allowing people to achieve their Level 5 diplomas without having to leave and study in the UK.It offers a range of Ofqual-registered specialist courses for therapies such as; trauma, couples, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and children and adolescence.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Elisha Gilbertson and Susie Lyons who are part of the first cohort of students who have been working hard to gain their qualifications.
The Derbyhaven Residents' Society says it welcomes the findings from the Tynwald Commissioner for Administration regarding the handling of a complaint over the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel. A report by the ombudsman found that maladministration had occurred when Malew Commissioners was dealing with a request to serve a demolition notice on the building - which the society describes as an 'embarrassing eyesore'. The document is due to be laid before Tynwald next week, and the group is asking members to consider whether local authorities should have the power to demolish derelict and dilapidated properties.Shaun Murphy, a member of the resident's society, says the report 'shines a light' on what powers local authorities have and when they should be used 'appropriately'. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.