Northland release public consultation report.
Northland have released their phase 1 public consultation summary report which details significant concerns and opposition from the community regarding both onshore and offshore elements of the project.
Excerpt:
“Concerns about environmental impacts associated with the offshore elements included potential disruption to marine habitats, bird populations, and the seabed. Additional issues raised related to coastal erosion and underwater swells, with specific worries about the effects on surfing conditions.
Visual and noise pollution emerged as significant issues, with many respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the potential visual impact of the turbines and the offshore substation, particularly their proximity to shore and their scale. The lighting of turbines during operations was also flagged as potentially detrimental to the “dark skies” of the area. Regarding noise, concerns were expressed about potential effects during construction of the offshore elements, and also during operations.
Community members voiced apprehension about the potential effects on tourism, fishing, and the Gaelic culture, noting that the project’s presence could alter the region’s character. Many respondents felt that the visual aesthetic of the area, which plays a key role in tourism and community wellbeing, would be significantly impacted.
Concerns extended to the lack of local potential for the manufacture of offshore components to construct the proposed project. Comments were made by numerous respondents about a perceived absence of meaningful consultation when the site location for the project was initially identified , leading to a sense of being unheard.”
The report can be found here: