Resistance group alleges wind farm surveys carried out without correct licences

Manx Utilities Authority refutes allegations, says licences have 'been duly obtained'

A group which formed to oppose the potential onshore wind farm at Earystane and Scard has published allegations that ecological surveys have been carried out at the site without the correct licences.

The citizens group, now dubbed "Cair Vie Resistance" claims that 'surveys targeting protected species have been carried out without the legal authorisation required by Manx law'.

Namely, it is referring to the Wildlife Act 1990.

It says it asked the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for copies of all licences granted, and claims that DEFA 'admitted' no licences were issued until 7 April 2025 - five days after the Department was sent the query.

In a statement, the group says: "Manx Utilities’ onshore wind consultants, Wardell Armstrong, have been conducting extensive ecological surveys in the area of Earystane and Scard and the southern uplands since the latter part of 2023. 

"These surveys are part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process for the MUA’s proposed onshore wind power station known as Cair Vie.

"Under Section 16 of the Wildlife Act 1990, a licence must be granted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) for any activity that would otherwise be an offence under the Act – such as disturbing Schedule 1 birds or Schedule 5 animals.

"Cair Vie Resistance, which is fighting to protect the environmentally sensitive site from development, had asked for copies of all licences granted. However, DEFA has now admitted that no licences were issued until 7 April 2025, five days after DEFA was formally asked to confirm what authorisations were in place.

"Only two licences have now been issued, to named consultants working for Wardell Armstrong - both for Schedule 1 bird disturbance.

"Despite this, the ecology timetable published by Manx Utilities shows that surveys for common frogs, common lizards, bats, and birds have been ongoing for well over a year.

"DEFA has confirmed that no Schedule 5 licences have been issued to Wardell Armstrong. 

"That means surveys targeting protected species—including bats, amphibians, and reptiles—have been carried out without the legal authorisation required by Manx law and that previous Schedule 1 Bird surveys have been carried out without any licence.

"Section 9(4) of the Wildlife Act 1990 makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb any animal listed in Schedule 5 while it is using a place of shelter or protection. 

"Inspecting lizard mats, disturbing frog spawn ponds, or peering into bat roosts are all activities with a clear expectation of disturbance—and they therefore require a licence."

The group alleges that 'these revelations cast serious doubt on the lawfulness, professionalism, and credibility of the Cair Vie environmental assessments—and also calls into question the oversight role of both Manx Utilities and DEFA'.

Spokesperson Kirrie Jenkins has been speaking to Manx Radio:

In a statement, Manx Utilities refuted the allegations and said it 'remains committed to full compliance with all legal requirements'.

It said: "Manx Utilities wishes to address the recent allegations suggesting that the ecological surveys have been conducted without the necessary licences. 

"Manx Utilities refutes these allegations. 

"Surveys are carried out using non-intrusive methods, and where licences have been required, they have been duly obtained. 

"Manx Utilities is and remains committed to full compliance with all legal requirements and to the protection of the Isle of Man’s wildlife.” 

Manx Radio also approached the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for comment - that request was turned down.