Initial Mooir Vannin meetings get underway 

A session will take place in Douglas this afternoon for the public to have their say 

The start of the initial round of meetings about plans for an offshore wind farm in Manx waters got underway today (3 March).

All week until Friday, an examining body panel will hear from the applicants Ørsted, members of the public and experts from various fields and businesses about the proposal for 87 wind turbines off the East Coast of the Island. 

In August last year, the Council of Ministers accepted for examination an application by Ørsted for the development of an offshore wind project in Manx waters.

Under the Marine Infrastructure Management Act (MIMA), once an application is accepted for examination, a formal consultation process begins.

An initial meeting this morning set out the agenda for the rest of the week, with commissioners, residents and representatives from other businesses in attendance.

Michael Greig, representing North Fell Offshore Wind Farm, told the panel his organisation would respond to Ørsted’s application and engage with the company during the process.

Members of Garff Commissioners also addressed the hearing, saying they would like greater involvement throughout and offering to take part in site visits.

Clerk Martin Royle asked the panel to consider environmental assessments, the economic future of the Island and what he described as a “uniquely Manx approach”.

Garff resident Ian Stratford urged the panel to weigh up both the benefits and “disbenefits” to the Island.

Another resident, Patricia Newton, asked whether members would consider visiting turbines in UK waters by ferry. She was advised to submit that suggestion formally for consideration.

Panel member Mr Smith said further meetings could take place in May or July, but only if the examining body requires additional clarity.

A public meeting is being held this afternoon at Woodbourne House in Douglas from 4pm, where members of the public can give their views to both the examining body and Ørsted.

For the rest of the week, the panel will sit at the Comis Hotel. Tomorrow (4 March), discussions will focus on marine infrastructure consent and land and rights issues.

On Thursday (5 March), environmental impact assessments and protected species will be examined, with shipping and navigation due to be discussed on Friday (6 March), the final day of hearings.