DfE didn't have TT fireworks permit due to 'administrative error'

Permit for display in Douglas Bay marine nature reserve has been secured for 2024

TT organisers did not have a permit to set off fireworks in the Douglas Bay marine nature reserve for the last three editions of the races, despite it being a legal requirement since 2018.

The Department for Enterprise has confirmed in response to a Freedom of Information request that such a permit has been obtained for this year's display.

Douglas Bay was designated as a Marine Nature Reserve in September 2018, meaning anyone wishing to deposit any substance or article in the reserve needs a permit from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Despite this, the DfE says it did not apply for a permit for the 2019, 2022 and 2023 displays due to an 'administrative error'.

However, it insists it did comply with the recommendations contained within its 2024 permit.

The permit states the DfE must exercise utmost care to avoid undue disturbance to habitats, fireworks must be discharged offshore, and the site must be returned to its pre-activity state.

The Department also revealed it makes no effort to remove spent firework residue from the nature reserve as the fireworks it uses do not contain plastic parts, and that residue which falls from the air will biodegrade naturally.

It goes on to confirm it is committed to only using plastic-free fireworks in its displays, with this year's fireworks made up of materials consisting of paper, cardboard, cotton and clay.

This year's TT fireworks display is due to take place in Douglas Bay at 11pm on Saturday 8 June.

Manx Radio has invited the Department to comment further.