Manx Utilities issues Cair Vie wind farm assurance following criticism from pressure group

'We will always follow due process' says utility body

Manx Utilities says that while developing renewable energy solutions, such as the Cair Vie wind farm project, it will always follow due process which involves comprehensive environmental impact assessments and the implementation of mitigation measures.

In a statement issued to Manx Radio the public utility body says the studies for the Cair Vie project are being undertaken by experts in the environment, and the design and mitigation approach will be reviewed by independent experts as part of the planning process.

The statement is in the wake of demands from the Cair Vie Resistance pressure group for the proposed wind farm to be scrapped. 

The group cites a French court ruling that generator EDF Renewables was responsible for the deaths of around 160 protected birds at a wind farm in the country. The firm was fined 500,000 euros.

Whilst the Manx Utilities statement doesn't refer to the pressure group by name, it points out that consultations took place last year across the Island with an opportunity for views to be submitted on the Cair Vie proposals. The utility body says it understands that members of the pressure group were present at all events.

All the information is they say publicly available on the Manx Utilities website.

At the present time Manx Utilities says it's focussed on completing the Environmental Impact Assessment work for a planning application submission that will include a suite of proposals to ensure maximum benefit for nature alongside the development.

Also it states, the formal planning process is designed to provide a further opportunity to provide feedback on the project. Further engagement is also planned to support the planning application itself.

Cair Vie Resistance believes that the proposed windfarm in what the say is a Birdlife designated 'Important Bird Area' could spell disaster for biodiversity.