Public meeting to discuss windfarm proposals for south

Captain of Parish in Arbory agrees to hold gathering next week

People are being offered the opportunity to discuss plans for new windfarms on the Isle of Man.

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners has organised a public meeting next Tuesday (29 August).

Back in July this year chair of Manx Utilities Tim Crookall announced plans in Tynwald to build a government funded onshore wind farm.

Two sites have been identified as being potentially suitable - Sulby and Druidale in the north and Earystane and Scards in the south of the Island:

Studies commissioned by MU have identified that the appropriate level of renewable electricity generation, which can maintain secure supplies, is presently up to 40 Megawatts.

A new onshore wind farm could produce 20-megawatts by the end of 2026.

But, since the announcement was made residents across the Island including those in the south have raised concerns.

And following receipt of a requisition letter the Captain of the Parish of Arbory, in conjunction with the commissioners, has agreed that a public meeting should take place.

It will be held at Arbory Parish Hall in Ballabeg at 7pm – Manx Utilities has been invited.

Commissioner Jane Glover told Manx Radio the public meeting is a way of helping parishioners air those views:

Another group keen to seek people's viewpoints is Manx BirdLife.

In a statement it says it's aware of the project and, at this stage, wishes to make the following observations.

“In principle we support the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. We wish to see the right long-term solutions in the right places at the right time.

“We have some initial questions arising from the preliminary details published by Manx Utilities (including Operational Decision Making 2023-07-04 – Site Selection) for this proposed first phase of building the Island’s strategic ability to generate ‘energy from wind’.

“These relate to the:

1. Strategic oversight and coordination of energy transition projects onshore and offshore;

2. Ensuring nature-positive implementation and operations;

3. Deployment of relevant, credible, robust and up-to-date scientific research from the appropriate study communities.

“Being the first phase of a long-term renewable energy strategy for the Isle of Man, we wish to see full, transparent and timely due diligence regarding the impact on wild birds and their habitats during what will be the research, construction and ongoing operation phases of the project.

“Manx Birdlife is consulting widely on the best science and assessment/survey methods by which all parties can assess the environmental impact of these initial proposals.

“We shall arrive at our own independent and objective view on whether we object to or support one, both or neither of the two preferred (proposed) sites. (NB. It is not for Manx BirdLife to suggest sites, but to provide objective assessment of those sites put forward by the proposer.)”

The charity adds that it expects to be fully consulted and to contribute to surveys, consulting partners and assisting Manx Utilities in arriving at the best decision for the Island.