DUP politicians have hit out at the Scottish Government over fears a new offshore wind farm could impact tourism at the Giant’s Causeway.
Gregory Campbell, the MP for East Londonderry, said he is worried that the development could “severely affect the iconic views from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
Irish state-owned utility ESB won the rights to develop a 100-MW floating offshore wind in last year's Crown Estate leasing round.
Malin Sea Wind will lie approximately 14 miles southeast of Islay and 15 miles north of Portrush on the north coast of the province.
It aims to be operational in 2031 and will ultimately deliver 100MW of floating offshore wind capacity and be capable of powering 95,000 homes.
The farm will span around 12 square miles, prompting local fears.
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Mr Campbell raised the planning application during Energy Questions in the Commons on Tuesday and asked Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero if he had spoken to his opposite number in Edinburgh.
The Labour minister said had “frequent conversations with my counterpart in the Scottish Government and, no doubt, that is one issue we will be discussing.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Campbell said: “The North Coast is a key jewel in Northern Ireland’s tourism crown.
“I am profoundly concerned by the proposed wind farm development off the coast between Northern Ireland and Scotland being advanced by the Scottish Government.
“This project, as currently planned, could severely affect the iconic views from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, one of the most renowned natural landmarks in the world.”
He said the causeway was “a place of immense cultural, natural, and economic importance” and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, “all drawn by its unique geological formations and stunning vistas.”
Mr Campbell added: “The presence of industrial scale wind turbines on the horizon would irrevocably alter this cherished view, potentially deterring tourists and damaging Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.”
The MP said he fully supported the development of renewable energy, but that it was “vital that such projects are carried out with respect for natural landscapes and heritage sites.”
He added: “I have urged the Government to speak with their Scottish counterparts and consider the potential implications for this development so that it does not threaten the visual and cultural integrity of the Giant’s Causeway.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Potential impacts on communities and nature are important considerations in the decision-making process for offshore wind planning and consenting.
“All offshore wind projects are subject to robust consent processes that include public consultations, with further assessments and potential mitigations considered before decisions are made.
“Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy will deliver the planning framework for the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, supporting deployment in Scottish waters whilst protecting marine users and our environment.”
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