| Windfarm Agreement Signed | 24 July 2008 |
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today signed an historic agreement with Beinn Mohr Power over a proposed 13 turbine windfarm at Eishken on Lewis. The agreement, the first to arise from a major consented windfarm on Lewis, brings with it the prospect of financial benefits for the local community and the wider Western Isles as well as ensuring tight environmental safeguards and a commitment to decommissioning and restoration at the end of the lifetime of the windfarm. The agreement also ensures that Beinn Mohr Power will make every effort possible to locally procure goods and services associated with the windfarm. Beinn Mohr Power is offering ownership of two sites for turbines in the scheme to the local community which would bring much needed revenue into the Iomairt Aig An Oir (Initiative At The Edge) area. Convener Alex MacDonald said: “This is an historic occasion as it represents the first type of such an agreement arising from a major windfarm scheme in the Western Isles with consent. This agreement represents a good deal for communities in the Lochs area and for the wider public in the Western Isles through contributions to the Western Isles Development Trust. In addition it clearly spells out that every effort will be made to procure locally and that has to be good news for local businesses. Whilst maintaining stringent safeguards for the environment, this agreement also offers the prospect of a significant stake in the windfarm for the local community which would go a great way to allowing that community to decide its own priorities and goals for the future. This is an example of how whilst contributing to renewable energy targets the Western Isles can make use of its natural resources to benefit local communities.” The Comhairle approved the 39mw scheme in February of this year but the issue of the consent was dependent upon a Section 75 agreement being reached between the Comhairle and Beinn Mohr Power. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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