Environment Minister Clare Barber has confirmed that no Wildlife Act licences were issued specifically for the proposed onshore wind farm at Earystane.
However, two licences were granted earlier this year to individuals conducting ecological surveys.
Responding to a Tynwald question from Jason Moorhouse MHK, the Minister stated: “No Wildlife Act licence or applications have been issued in relation to the proposed Creg Valla wind farm, as published in response to a recent FOI.”
She added that two licences were issued on April 7 2025 to Wardell Armstrong employees after applications were received on March 17, with no retrospective effect.
When asked if work had been conducted without a licence, Mrs Barber replied: “We are not aware of any activity that occurred prior to that licence being issued,” but urged anyone with evidence of breaches to come forward.
Issued
Mr Moorhouse raised concerns about the timing of an FOI request, received on 8 April—one day after the licences were issued.
Mrs Barber clarified: “The FOI request was received on the eighth of April, that being the day after the department had issued licences.”
She emphasised that the 22-day processing period allowed for thorough assessment, including clarification of details.
Mr Moorhouse also queried whether additional surveyors required separate licences. The Minister explained that while licence holders must oversee scheduled species work, general surveys do not always require permits.
6 Comments