Energy Minister Urged To Take Stock

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will be outlining the case for the windpower in the Western Isles to Europe this week as the European Union launches ‘Sustainable Energy Week’.

The Comhairle’s Vice-Convener, Angus Campbell, is one of the key speakers at the event in Brussels and will highlight the need for renewable energy schemes such as the Lewis Windpower proposal to be given the go ahead if Scotland, the UK and the EU, is to meet their renewable energy targets.

On Friday, it was revealed that Scottish Ministers were ‘minded to refuse’ the Lewis Windpower application for 181 turbines on Lewis because of the Wild Birds and Habitats Directive.

The Vice-Convener will argue that European designations were never supposed to stop all development in rural and sparsely populated island communities, although that is precisely what seems to be happening.

The European Union recently increased targets for renewable energy for member states.

Earlier today, representatives of the Comhairle met with Energy Minister Jim Mathers to discuss the economic situation in the Western Isles.

 Angus Campbell said:
“Obviously the Minister couldn’t comment on the specific LWP application but he listened carefully to what we had to say about the socio-economic challenges that the islands face. It was a constructive meeting and paves the way for continued dialogue with the Minister and the Scottish Government. In the meantime we hope the Minister will take stock on the LWP application and consider all the implications of this crucial decision for the Western Isles”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk