The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has responded to recent allegations of surveys being done without licences.
Opponents of Manx Utilities proposed Wind Farm, Cair Vie Resistance, claim that ecological surveys for the farm were conducted without the legally required licences.
A spokesperson for DEFA said it is aware of recent suggestions that DEFA “has not issued licences that should have been granted in relation to protected species surveys at a potential onshore wind farm site”.
Surveyors Responsibility
The Department said: “We would like to clarify the following key points:
- Not all surveys require a licence. A licence under the Wildlife Act is only required where the activity may otherwise result in an offence — for example, disturbing or damaging a protected species or its habitat.
- It is the surveyor’s responsibility to know whether a licence is required. If they believe their activity could constitute an offence, they are expected to apply to DEFA for a licence in advance.
- DEFA has not been made aware of any activity to date that would constitute an offence under the Wildlife Act. If anyone believes an offence may have taken place, they should contact DEFA or the Isle of Man Constabulary.”
DEFA issued this statement to “ensure clarity and accuracy around licensing requirements and responsibilities”.
Licences
Cair Vie Resistance claims Manx Utilities’ onshore wind consultants, Wardell Armstrong, have been conducting extensive ecological surveys in the area of the proposed wind farm since 2023.
These surveys are part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process for the MUA’s proposed onshore wind farm known as Cair Vie.
Manx Utilities has strongly denied allegations by opponents to its plans for a wind farm that ecological surveys were conducted without the correct licences.
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