Chief Minister rubbishes wind farm suggestion

Cannan responds to comments made by his former treasury minister

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan has rubbished suggestions the proposed Mooir Vannin Wind Farm could be the first of many in Manx waters.

He was responding to comments made by his former Treasury Minister Alex Allinson.

The retiring Ramsey MHK told a hearing the project would be important for 'the sustainable economic future of our Island and its significance in improving the concept of offshore wind developments within our territorial waters, which could encourage further projects around the Island'.

However Mr Cannan, posting on his constituency Facebook page, said: "This is not helpful and it’s not happening.

"It’s just fantasy on so many levels to think that the Island could surround itself with wind farms, make hundreds of millions of pounds and solve all our economic woes."

He added: "Firstly all the nations around us are trying to generate their own renewable energy and why would they buy it from the IoM.

"Secondly getting grid access and selling at competitive prices is difficult and thirdly there are practical issues with trade, aircraft and defence which make this entirely impractical even if it did get political support.

"There is currently one proposition on the table and that is where the focus should be."

The final public hearing of the independent panel, which will make a recommendation to the Council of Ministers over whether or not the proposed wind farm should be progressed, took place on 17 July. 

That hearing heard that there has been some confusion over how many jobs the plans could generate with members of the public questioning the quoted 30 possible positions. 

However a representative from Orsted said that figure was not representative of its plans for Mooir Vannin and that those figures were based on a possible future Isle of Man base.

Toby Yates told the hearing that the company has 'approximations' of creating between five to 10 jobs during construction and the same for during operation.

Mr Cannan is seeking re-election as MHK for Ayre and Michael in the General Election on 24 September. 

Also standing are Julia Bell, Stephen Broad, Steve Curphey, Tim Johnston, Mary Phillips and Paul Weatherall (Liberal Vannin).