Onchan residents brand offshore windfarm ‘travesty’ and ‘nothing but negative’ 

Commissioners organised a drop- in session for residents to learn more about scheme

A ‘travesty’, the ‘wrong project’ and ‘nothing but negative’ are some of the phrases used by Onchan residents to describe the Mooir Vannin Offshore Windfarm.

Yesterday, a drop in session was organised by Onchan Commissioners for residents to learn more about the planning application and the project.

Georgina O’Sullivan, who runs No Offshore Turbines for Isle of Man - or NOT4IOM - says the group's aim is to inform people the best they can about the scheme and currently has 9,000 signatures against the plans.

She added the group has been looking into the details of the application since February.

Ms O'Sullivan also said that she would’ve liked Orsted to attend so there could have been more of a debate:

Orsted is seeking to build 87 turbines between six to 12 miles off the east coast of the Island - stretching from Onchan Head to Maughold. 

The application is currently being examined by a panel and has taken evidence from local authorities, residents and the campaign group.

Meanwhile, these residents at the drop in session are all against the proposed scheme:

Orsted has previously said in a statement it was not 'originally invited' to attend the event but was told it could and would be in a separate room.

It also said that it declined because it would not be 'appropriate' in light of the ongoing and independent public examination.

The company added: "We are not aware of any similar nationally significant infrastructure projects in the UK holding separate drop-in events whilst the public examination of the application is ongoing.

"In essence, the six-month examination – which is run by Cabinet Office – is the current public consultation process now the application is under consideration.

"It’s important to note that we have engaged extensively with the public and all key stakeholders for the past three years. Five community information events were held across the Island in 2023, followed by a public consultation in 2024, with five more public events held across the Island.

"Isle of Man Government held four pre-examination public events last autumn, and since the examination process began in March this year there has been a series of public meetings and specific issue hearings which interested parties have been able to participate in alongside the written process.

"Throughout the examination process we have responded in detail to comments made by interested parties."