Episodes
There have been some changes to the proposed new 20mph zones in Douglas and Onchan following a consultation.Earlier this year, people were invited to give their view ahead of the scheme being rolled out in residential areas.
A former infrastructure is pleading to parties at Ronaldsway Airport to sit down for consolidatory talks.It follows questions about political oversight of the airport's management.In the House of Keys this week, the Infrastructure Minister said she gave the senior management team at Ronaldsway her full support - but wouldn't comment on specific employment matters.Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas, who was infrastructure minister between 2022-2023, has been giving Manx Radio his opinion.
The owners of a micropub in Peel which closed no less than five weeks ago have announced plans to reopen it.The Miller's T'Ale on Michael Street shut its doors for what was thought to be the last time on 30 September.At the time, owners Charles and Ann Miller cited difficult trading conditions, rising costs for stock, increased energy costs and declining customer numbers.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks with Joint-Owner Charles Miller about what's changed in the last five weeks, and why they now feel 'optimistic' enough to reopen.
A Manx resident has been crowned 'Wedding Cake Artist of the Year' in a competition that's been described as the 'Oscars of the cake world'.Aimee Ford attended the Cake International Awards in Birmingham this past weekend (1-2 November) alongside artists from all over the world.
A blind resident has urged the Isle of Man Government to do more to promote equality and accessibility - questioning the loss of the Equality Champion role and the absence of an Access to Work scheme.We hear from Juan Greggor, and from MLC Dawn Kinnish, who says existing support needs a rethink.
Tynwald reconvenes after the summer recess looking bright eyed and bushy tailed - at least that's what the President seemed to think - though many would beg to differ!What were the main talking points we hear you ask? Listen to Phil Gawne and Christian Jones discuss Tynwald in Brief: October 2025 to find out.
Behind the sparkle of fireworks, some in the countryside face a very different experience.Owner of Ballakeenan Farm in Jurby, Thomase Cleator shares how last year’s celebrations caused distress among his flock - and why he's asking for a more considerate approach this year.
Hop-tu-Naa is coming up this week, and whilst we may be perfecting our costumes and getting ready for trick-or-treaters at the door - sometimes, the night proves to be no treat for our pets.With doorbells ringing, and kids knocking, sometimes, you just need to get out for a walk, a treat and a brew!Well this year, the ManxSPCA has you covered - with a special event at Archallagan Plantation.Siobhán Fletcher has been finding out more from Krysia Boruch.
The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce says a planned rise in minimum wage will be 'devastating' for local businesses.Approved by Tynwald last week, the changes will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year. The chamber is now warning the shift will mean businesses will have to face 'really harsh choices' in the coming months.Chief Executive Rebecca George says the impact will be felt beyond the Island's hospitality and retail sectors.
The treasury minister says a decision to increase minimum wage is about supporting the local economy, employers and workers. Yesterday, Tynwald approved the changes, which will see the hourly rate rise from £12.25 to £13.46 from April next year.
It's hoped that the Isle of Man will start getting 5G network coverage from next year. Telecommunications firm, Sure by Beyon made the announcement at a rebranding event in Douglas yesterday (23 October).
The Isle of Man has become the first crown dependency to be added to the radon risk map.It shows what the chances are of having a high radon reading in a property in each 5km square of the Island.Tracy Gooding is the Principal Radiation Protection Scientist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).She's been telling Amy Griffiths more:
An MHK says the public needs more time to fully understand the impact the North and West Area Plan could have on the Manx countryside.Douglas Central member Chris Thomas has told Manx Radio he'll be looking to delay the debate on the document until next month.If approved, the plan would set out how to manage and guide development based on social, environmental and economic needs.But Mr Thomas believes the plan would enable developers to favour building on greenfield land over disused brownfield sites, as he explained to Manx Radio's Sian Cowper:
The infrastructure minister says her department is working to create three new mobility-scooter friendly bus routes by the end of the year.It follows work to install Kassel Kerbs, which allow step-free access onto buses, at 30 stops around the Island.Currently, users of class 2 mobility scooters can apply for the right to use one service - troute 21 - which operates from the city centre to the outskirts of the capital.On Mannin Line last month, Ramsey resident Eric Corkish, who has been campaigning to be able to take his scooter onto the Island's public transport network for the past six ye...
The chief scientist of the Motor Neuron Disease Association says there is 'hope on the horizon' for finding ways to treat the condition.Dr Brian Dickie has been giving a talk on the Island, and has been telling Amy Griffiths more:
The outgoing clerk at Braddan Commissioners says he believes local authority reform will only happen if Tynwald orders it. Colin Whiteway started at Braddan in 2007 as the successor to Buster Lewin and in that time has seen the board through litigation, the development of The Roundhouse and new social housing developments. He believes reform hasn't been brought forward by local authorities because they are 'resistant' to it and haven't thought about the benefits to residents and ratepayers.Mr Whiteway added that he hopes to leave the next clerk the 'opportunity' to expand and enjoy the posi...
Treasury has extended a consultation looking at changes to the Island's Rating and Consultation Valuation Act 1953 until the end of the month. It was meant to close this week but has been extended by two weeks after impact assessments in the document were updated - something some local authorities asked for. Minister Alex Allinson has been speaking live on Manx Radio Breakfast.
A former MHK who has called for a referendum on net zero believes the proposal could help rekindle public interest in Manx politics.Paul Quine’s suggestion is set to be brought before Tynwald in December by Middle member Stu Peters.
A Douglas East MHK is calling for mandatory neurodiversity and inclusive practice training in education across the Isle of Man.At this month's Tynwald sitting, Joney Faragher will table a motion calling for such training to be 'embedded into core provision'.It's based on a petition for redress presented at this year's Tynwald Day ceremony - which was signed by 28 parents.Ms Faragher told Siobhán Fletcher more
With a General Election looming, a MONEYVAL visit ahead, and mounting pressures on the economy and housing, the Isle of Man faces a defining year.In this episode, Christian Jones and Alistair Ramsay unpacks the key themes from the recent IoD Isle of Man event - from economic confidence to long-term vision - and ask what kind of Island we want to be beyond 2026.
Lawrie Hooper shares his thoughts on the recent government conference and the major announcements that came out of it - including plans for a National Office for AI Development and Regulation, expanded apprenticeship and housing support schemes, and a refreshed economic strategy.With Manx Radio's Christian Jones, he explores what these announcements could mean in practice, and looks beyond the headlines to uncover what might really be driving these initiatives.
The chair of Douglas Council's Housing Committee says it's 'imperative' that properties are turned around as soon as possible to allow those on the list to move in.At its public meeting, the local authority confirmed it had reallocated 41 properties last month and had received 17 back from tenants - which it said is 'significantly' high. The council also says it has changed its operations from giving a house to a new tenant as is, to now investing in a maintenance program so homes won't need refurbishing for five to 10 years. Councillor Peter Washington says the committee looks at the trend...
A group of residents say they are 'fairly suspicious' of a move by Douglas Council to cut down a number of registered trees in a local playing field. The 'Keep Willaston Field Green' community page believes the notice to fell 39 is 'incredibly coincidental' to the timing of a proposed building compound in the Ballanard Road park.Douglas Council has told Manx Radio that no trees are being removed to accommodate the compound it was agreed following a consultation with DEFA and the location of the compound has been chosen to 'minimise disruption' to residents.The local authority is looking to ...
Is party politics a blessing or a curse?With the Isle of Man’s general election on the horizon and new political parties emerging, some are asking whether a party system could help - or hinder - government on the Island.Lord Daniel Finkelstein, a long-time political adviser, Times columnist, member of the House of Lords and director of Chelsea Football Club, recently visited the Island and toured Tynwald.Christian Jones sat down with him to talk politics, parties, newspapers, and the Manx way of doing things.
The leader of Douglas City Council has welcomed government plans to reform rates exemptions on dilapidated and ruinous properties.At the 2025 Isle of Man Government Conference, Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to bringing forward new legislation that would require landlords of such properties to pay rates in full, as incentive to bring them back onto the market.Manx Radio's Christian Jones sat down with Leader of Douglas City Council Devon Watson to discuss his reaction to the proposals set out.
In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Manx Care CEO Teresa Cope speaks to Lewis Foster about the reaction to the health body's latest annual report.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer charities are warning that an increasing number of women aren't regularly checking themselves for signs of cancer.New research suggests that 45-percent of women don't examine themselves for signs and symptoms of the disease. That's up 4-percent from 2022.Meanwhile, a study out of Sweden found that women who miss their first breast cancer screening appointment have a 40-percent higher risk of dying from the disease in their lifetime.So, what's the message to women here on the Island? Siobhán Fletcher spoke to Chair of the Manx Breas...
The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool is to be upgraded in the coming weeks to rectify a problem identified during berthing trials last year.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood.
A newly launched political party, Isle of Man First, has set out a wide-ranging manifesto ahead of the next general election.The party, which describes itself as focused on "putting Manx residents first", has pledged reforms across health, education, housing, tax, and government efficiency.Among its key proposals are raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000 within its first 100 days, with an ambition of increasing that figure to £50,000.Party Founder Mitch Sorbie sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones.
As government plans to increase the Island's minimum wage, one political party argues it's not going far enough.Liberal Vannin Chair, Paul Weatherall, told Amy Griffiths it should be in line with the living wage: