Department of Environment, Food and Environment

If you intend to camp overnight at the Sulby Claddagh this summer, you will need a camping permit. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is introducing a permit system for the 2011 season in response to strong public support, to improve the control of camping at the site.

Overnight camping with a permit will be allowed between 1st May and 30th September plus Easter Weekend, with a maximum permitted stay per visit of up to 14 nights.

Campers are encouraged to plan ahead and obtain a permit well in advance of their visit, as permits will not normally be issued on site.

A permit is not required to enjoy daytime recreation at the site and there will be no charge for the camping permit this season.

Members of the public are encouraged to obtain a camping permit in person, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekdays from the Department’s Offices in St. Johns (full address given below).

Proof of identification should be supplied with every application in the form of a driving license or passport and a recent utility bill showing home address. A useful question and answer sheet regarding the permit system can be downloaded from the Department's website at http://www.gov.im/defa/hfg/other/Sulby.xml

Minister for DEFA John Shimmin, MHK said,

“The Department has endeavoured to improve the management of the Claddagh in recent years and asks the local community to respect and support this latest initiative”.

“This season we shall be working closely again with the IoM Constabulary and G4S Security to enforce the Byelaws governing the use of the site.”

“Sulby Claddagh is a very special place where people have enjoyed open-air recreation for many decades. We hope that these ongoing management improvements will help to protect it for the benefit of generations to come.”

For further information please contact: Forestry, Amenity & Lands Directorate, tel. 801263