TravelWatch-Isle of Man's next Public Meeting will be on Saturday 10th November at the Villa Marina, Douglas. The meeting starts at 10.00 (doors open at 09.30).
The main topic for the meeting will be the potential impact on the Island's life-line ferry and shipping services of the various off-shore wind farm developments now being planned . Captain Michael Brew, Director of Harbours, will explain these to us and John Pennington will give us a TravelWatch perspective on the on-going issues and our contacts with the developers.
Although the areas being developed are outside Manx waters they could have a significant effect on passenger journeys and the whole Manx economy in the years to come. TravelWatch is not taking a position on the merits of windfarms - only their impact on shipping services. Action needs to be taken now to safeguard our shipping lanes for the future.
As a contribution to helping people understand the issues and find information easily. TravelWatch have now set up a special section of their website to provide easy access to windfarm information with links to the main developers and interested parties. This can be accessed direct on www.travelwatch-isleofman.org/windfarms.
In his "Agenda for Change" statement to October Tynwald, Chief Minister Allan Bell said the Steam Packet User Agreement would be reviewed by March 2014, and the Open Skies policy would be reviewed by June 2013. These are both areas in which TravelWatch is involved on an on-going basis, and we hope to be able to bring you up to date at our public meeting.
Passenger rights for those travelling by sea, to and from EU ports, are being introduced on 18th December. As all our ferry routes are to EU ports these will apply to Manx services and cover provisions for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. They also cover the provision of information and assistance to all passengers in the event of delayed or cancelled journeys. Much of this is done already but more details will be provided at the meeting.
TravelWatch ISLE OF MAN represents and promotes the interests of Isle of Man passengers so everyone is welcome. Admission is free but we welcome contributions towards the cost of mid-morning light refreshments. There is plenty of time allowed for informal discussion and opportunity is always provided for questions and comments from the floor.
www.travelwatch-isleofman.org
