Garff Commissioners to make enquiries into windfarm panel selection process

It was one of the topics discussed at its public meeting last night

Following the first two public hearings into the Mooir Vannin Offshore Windfarm, Garff Commissioners says it will be making enquiries into the selected panel.

The local authority sent a letter to the government previously, but believed the response was ‘fluffy’.

Also on its agenda was a report from the Cooil Roi sheltered housing complex and a request for Dhoon Church to have a new entrance gate.

Two board members, Richard Henthorn and Marinda Fargher, are representing Garff Commissioners at this week's hearings, as well as Clerk Martin Royle.

It’s been a strong opposer to the proposed plans from Orsted which could see 87 turbines spread out on the east coast of the Island.

The board says it previously sent a letter to the chief minister requesting information about how the panel of experts was selected.

Commissioner Julie Pinson said she had been told the panel were making decisions ‘independently’ of who their employers are and they are using their expertise to make judgements.

The local authority also agreed not to share the initial response from the government due to concerns about GDPR.

Commissioner Marinda Fargher said she had invited the panel to visit some of the areas of the parish which could be affected, including Laxey Bay, during the summer.

Also on the agenda was a report from the Manager of Cooil Roi Sheltered Housing Julie Mattin.

She said due to the war in the Middle East the cost of heating oil for the complex had been increased by 25 pence in two days.

Ms Mattin told the board a letter had been sent to residents asking if they would prefer to pay the normal amount and wait it out or pay the higher cost for oil on the next bill.

She said the majority of the residents chose the second option and therefore everyone will be paying the higher cost – which is an extra £2.70 per week.

And plans have been proposed to the board to improve access to the Dhoon Church Field.

Ms Fargher said she had been working with one of the officers to develop new steps into the field and also a new gate entrance.

She said the designs will have to go to the church authorities for their approval.

Garff Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday 1 April.