Sulby Claddagh is the only piece of Common Land remaining on the Isle of Man.
The area is also known as River Meadowland and was often flooded by the Sulby River in the past.
The Claddagh is used as a campsite in the summer months and is particularly popular during the Islands TT and Manx Grand Prix motorcycling festivals.
The Claddagh also has an area adjacent to the Sulby River that serves as an Arborteum for commemorative tree planting.
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The following extract is taken from the Tynwald Court Official Report for Tuedsay, 17th March 2015
"Questions for Oral Answer...
The President: Supplementary question, Mrs Cannell
Mrs Cannell: Can I ask the Minister, bearing in mind that Sulby Claddaghs is the last piece of common land in the Isle of Man and valued as such, especially by those people who live in the area, and as such, the area that people do stay and camp on is not in law a designated campsite, how can the Minister consider making the charge?"
As part of the Minister's repsonse he stated that"...In respect to the common land, I think additionally the Department are planning to carry out further inquiries into whether or not the rights of common actually exist over the area, with a view to ensuring full clarity on any future use of the area, for information, typical rights of common existed for subsistence purposes and included things like grazing of livestock or collection of firewood..."
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The access and camping rights of Sulby Claddagh were modified by the Sulby Claddagh Byelaws 2010.
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The rules governing common land in the Isle of Man are similar to those in England where the following applies:
- common land is owned, for example by a local council, privately or by the National Trust.
- members of the public have the right to roam on it. This means that anyone can use common land for certain activities such as walking or climbing.
- members of the public do not however have the right to camp on common land without the owner's permission, to a light a fire or have a barbecue, hold a festival or other event without permission, nor is there a general right to drive across common land without permission.
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