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Sailing diversion a possibility

A proposed new wind farm in the Irish Sea COULD force a diversion of the Steam Packet's route to Liverpool.

The site, between the Isle of Man and North Wales, was one of nine around the British Isles granted a licence by the UK government last week.

The geographic boundaries of the Irish Sea scheme have not yet been released by licence-holder Centrica and a prolonged planning process means building wouldn't start until 2014 at the earliest.

Chief Executive of the Steam Packet Company Mark Woodward says early indications suggest the northern boundary of the turbine field could obstruct their current direct route to Liverpool.

A separate wind turbine scheme at West Duddon Sands off Morecambe has already been given planning approval and if it goes ahead will create a 15 minute diversion on the sailing to Heysham.

Mr Woodward says the company will lobby hard to prevent the turbine field causing any diversion to the Liverpool route.

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