The Department of Infrastructure has no duty to remove seaweed from harbour beds or public beaches, with responsibility largely resting with local authorities.
This was in response to one of several questions raised by Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse during Tuesday’s House of Keys sitting
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK told MHKs that seaweed deposits are “determined naturally by the wind and the tide”, though the Department will clear steps, ladders and slipways it manages.
He confirmed that local authorities which lease their beaches generally take on beach‑clearing duties, and he will circulate a list of those authorities.
Asked about areas where beaches are not leased, Mr Crookall said the DoI would only intervene if there was a health issue, adding that concerns could be raised by anyone.
In such cases, the DoI and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture would assess the situation jointly.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK highlighted that the Government’s website provides clear reporting routes and contact numbers for members of the public to flag issues.
Mr Crookall said any genuine safety concern would be dealt with “efficiently”, regardless of who reported it.
The full exchange can be listened to below:
