Race is on to submit views on Spiorad na Mara development
The protest group set up to block the proposed Spiorad na Mara windfarm off the coast of Lewis have launched an online survey to gauge the views of island residents and submit it as part of the consultation process.
A formal planning application was submitted to the Scottish Government earlier this month, with the developer – Canadian firm Northland, with a 25 per cent share by Irish firm of ESB – looking to develop a 60-turbine, 900 megawatt project.
The company this week revealed that the planning documents can be viewed in Stornoway library, the Carloway Community Centre and the Horshader Centre in Shawbost, as well as online on Marine’s Scotland website. A separate planning process will be required for the onshore elements which will be dealt with by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
With a planning application now formally submitted, it has sparked renewed interest in the impact of the project, with the closest turbine lying just six kilometers off the coast and the project visible over a large footprint of the island.
The Eilean Mo Ghaoil protest group have now initiated an online survey.
They said: “Up until now, there had been no attempt to quantify support or opposition to this project, despite claims by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar that ‘there is strong community support for marine energy development around the islands’.
“For this reason, we partnered with an experienced research consultant to conduct a clear, accessible and transparent online survey with the aim of obtaining an accurate picture of the community’s views on this major development.
“We acknowledge the development will have wide ranging impacts across the whole island and its many residents but, for this exercise, respondents must reside in the areas between (and including) Ness to Uig, as these are the most directly impacted areas.
“A robust and representative community voice has been notably missing from all meaningful discussions surrounding this development.”
Two weeks ago Northland Power held a meeting with Shawbost Community Council. Local resident, Molly Murray, who attended the meeting, said the project will “dominate the view along the west coast” with “gigantic wind turbines towering over the view from the coastland, the peatland, the hills and the sacred places of Lewis”.
Submissions to the planning application can be made until 7th May.