Public invited to find out more about Cair Vie Windfarm proposals
Island residents can find out more about proposals for the Isle of Man’s first onshore windfarm at a series of public consultation events later this month.
A total of eight sessions will be held across the Island from October 19-27 when senior officers from Manx Utilities and specialist consultants Wardell Armstrong will be on hand to talk with and hear the views of locals about the Cair Vie Windfarm project.
As well as providing an opportunity to discuss the technical, environmental and economic aspects of the scheme, there’ll also be a virtual reality experience where members of the public will be able to see what the turbines might look like from key vantage points in the south of the Island.
With the aim of complementing the existing power system assets operated by Manx Utilities, the proposed windfarm design, at Earystane plantation, would consist of between three and four turbines which could generate more than a quarter of the Island’s annual electricity needs.
The proposed development would be publicly owned and operated by Manx Utilities.
Chief Executive, Phil King, says it’s imperative everyone with an interest in the project gets to have their say.
‘This is unquestionably an exciting initiative for the whole of the Isle of Man and one which can provide increased energy independence and generate sustainable energy for our Island.
‘However, it’s vitally important we listen to and engage with residents throughout the Island, to hear their views, answer any questions and provide an opportunity to learn more about the project.
The planning application, which is due to be submitted in early 2025, will be based on all of the information that Manx Utilities has gathered to date. Feedback from these consultation events will also help to shape the proposals which will be taken forward to the planning application stage.
The community consultation events will be held on:
- Saturday, October 19: Morton Hall, Castletown, 12noon-4pm
- Sunday, October 20: Douglas City Hall, 12noon-4pm
- Monday, October 21: Peel Centenary Centre, 2-7pm
- Tuesday, October 22: Douglas City Hall, 2-7pm
- Wednesday, October 23: Morton Hall, Castletown, 2-7pm
- Friday, October 25: Ramsey Courthouse, 2-7pm
- Saturday, October 26: Peel Centenary Centre, 12noon-4pm
- Sunday, October 27: Ramsey Courthouse, 12noon-4pm.
‘We are keen to meet residents to discuss the project,’ continued Phil.
‘These events form an essential part of the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment process we committed to at the outset and the design process will continue to evolve as Wardell Armstrong and ourselves incorporate those findings.’
‘This is also an opportune time to listen to what Island residents have to say, discuss with them any environmental and social impacts which have been identified and outline the wider benefits of a scheme for the whole Island.’
The Earystane site has been selected as it offers the best opportunity to harness the impressive wind resource that our Island has – one of the best average windspeeds in Europe with the potential to generate electricity for a high percentage of the year. This could be used to service more than a quarter of the Island’s electricity needs.
A full ecology timetable can be viewed on Manx Utilities’ website: https://manxutilities.im/media/2829/ecology-survey-timetable.png
Anyone unable to attend the consultation events can view the Virtual Reality experience, showing what the windfarm will look like from six key areas in the south of the Island, and complete the community consultation feedback form via the Manx Utilities’ website.
