Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Irish state-owned utility ESB won the rights to develop 100-MW mobile offshore wind in the Crown Estate leasing round last year.
Malin Sea Wind will be approximately 14 miles south-east of Islay and 15 miles north of Portrush on the north coast of the state.
It aims to be operational in 2031 and will eventually provide 100MW of floating offshore wind capacity and be able to power 95,000 homes.
The farm will extend over approximately 12 square miles, prompting local fears.
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Mr Campbell He raised the planning application during Energy Questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday and asked Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero if he had spoken to his number in Edinburgh.
The Labor minister said he had “frequent conversations with my counterpart in the Scottish Government and, no doubt, that is one issue we will discuss.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Campbell said: “The North Coast is a key jewel in Northern Ireland’s tourism crown.
“I am very concerned about the proposed wind farm development off the coast between Northern Ireland and Scotland which is being developed by the Scottish Government.
“This project, as currently planned, could seriously affect the iconic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sarn y Cawr, one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks.”
He said the causeway was “a place of immense cultural, natural and economic importance” and that it attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, “all attracted by its unique geological formations and magnificent scenery.”
Mr Campbell added: “The presence of industrial-scale wind turbines on the horizon would irreversibly change this beloved sight, potentially deterring tourists and damaging Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.”
The MP said he fully supported the development of renewable energy, but that it was “vital that such projects are carried out with respect for natural landscapes and heritage sites.”
He added: “I have encouraged the Government to speak to their counterparts in Scotland and consider the potential implications of this development so that it does not threaten the visual and cultural integrity of Sarn y Cawr.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Potential impacts on communities and the natural world are important considerations in the decision-making process for offshore wind planning and consent.
“All offshore wind projects are subject to robust consent processes that include public consultations, with further assessments and potential mitigation measures considered before decisions are made.
“Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind will provide the planning framework for the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, supporting deployment in Scottish waters while protecting marine users and our environment.”
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source link https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/westminster/24639172.dup-mps-northern-irish-tourism-fears-scottish-wind-farm/?ref=rss
