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STATEMENT FROM ANGUS CAMPBELL, VICE-CONVENER |
9 September 2004 |
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Made at todays meeting of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Policy and Resources Committee: The next item is Creating Communities of the Future. This is the update of our Economic Regeneration strategy endorsed by our Community Planning Partners. The key economic driver in the strategy is Renewable Energy. It offers the potential of major economic benefits to the Western Isles. But in recent weeks that fact has been overlooked because of high profile campaigning against windfarms in Lewis. This is happening before we have any applications for large scale projects. Unlike some who have pre-judged proposals before they have seen the evidence, the Comhairle will form its opinion after proper consideration of all the available information. I for one take exception to being told that this Comhairle has ‘trashed the heritage of the Western Isles’ by a television personality who jetted in and lectured us about what is best for our people. To claim it was decided in 60 seconds is simply wrong. In fact the application was in front of the Comhairle for the third time in two years. There were no objections on the first two occasions. Using misinformation simply adds to the insult. For instance, it was claimed that there would be a 20% loss in energy generated in the isles by the time it reached markets. This ignored the evidence that the upgrade in transmission lines are likely to result in an average loss of around 1.5% - according to DTI figures. And anyone in the oil business must have been pleasantly surprised to read that this environmentalist is opposing renewable energy. This Comhairle is in favour of renewable energy but it will consider each application on its merits with particular regard to the communities affected. But let me send a message: this Comhairle will not let the people of the Western Isles down. Following due process, if the result is that we recommend a reduced scale, or moving turbines away from settlements, or if the impacts outweigh the benefits, then so be it. And if there are opportunities for Community ownership, we will pursue those opportunities for the benefit of local people. We will listen to our communities. But let all of us see all of the facts - including the community benefit and the anticipated number of jobs - direct and indirect - created in our fragile economy. As I say, Creating Communities of the Future is the key to regenerating our economy. I have no doubt that Renewable Energy will play a vital role in that process. Let us not squander the opportunities before we even know the facts.
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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