After two years of intensive development work for a marine windfarm off the coast of County Down, First Flight Wind, the group of energy interests, has announced that they are pulling out of the project.
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The proposal to build a windfarm off the coast of County Down has been scrapped.[/caption]
A spokesperson for First Flight Wind said: “The First Flight Wind consortium announced today that it is ceasing development of its Northern Ireland offshore wind farm. The company has made significant progress in establishing the feasibility of the project off the coast of County Down.
“However, as a result of delays to the design of the new market and renewable incentive arrangements for Northern Ireland, First Flight Wind has concluded that the project can no longer be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules. As a result, it is not going to be possible to continue with further project development and consent related activity.
“First Flight Wind believes this to be a disappointing outcome for all involved. A project like this could make a substantial contribution to Northern Ireland’s requirements for secure and low-carbon electricity and could provide significant local economic opportunities.
“The consortium would like to thank all those who engaged with First Flight Wind throughout the process. We believe that there continues to be potential in the future for an offshore wind farm in the area and we hope that the thorough stakeholder dialogue started by First Flight Wind will provide a sound basis for any future development.”
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There has been a mixed reaction to the news that First Flight Wind have pulled plans to build a marine windfarm off the County Down coast.[/caption]
Ritchie Says Windfarm Is Lost Opportunity
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has responded to the news that plans for a wind farm of the east coast have been scuppered.
She said: “Central to the development of a wind farm off the East Coast was the need to ensure that it did not jeopardise the future of the fishing industry in South Down. Work on the issue had been progressing in partnership with the local fishing industry. It is therefore disappointing that any investment and job opportunities that could have come to the community of South Down with the development of a wind farm off the East Coast have now been lost due to regulatory requirements that make the project unviable for First Flight Wind.
“Having discussed the current situation with First Flight Wind, I will now be seeking meetings with the Utility Regulator and the DETI Minister. It is vital that we pursue all opportunities for job creation and investment, particularly those that complement and can work alongside our traditional industries.”
NIFPO Boss Says Fishing Industy Gets A Welcome Reprieve
Dick James, Northern Ireland Fish Producers’Association Chief Executive, has welcomed the news that plans for the marine windfarm have been withdrawn. It seems that thsi is the death knell for the time being of the wind farm proposal.
He said: “Local fishermen will be delighted. This issue was causing concern to many of them particularly in Ardglass.
“It vindicates the position that the NIFPO took from the beginning is supporting its members. It would have been at a very severe cost to the County Down fishing industry which has survived for hundreds of years. Wind farms are essentially marine hazzards and do not sit well with local fishing fleets.”
Rogers Expresses Disappointment At Windfarm Hopes Being Dashed
South Down SDLP MLA Seán Rogers has spoken out following First Flight Wind’s announcement that they are not to proceed with plans for an offshore wind farm off the County Down coast. Mr Rogers said: “I was disappointed to hear the recent announcement. The offshore wind farm had great potential for creating employment and prosperity. “I know that there were concerns among the fishing community about these proposals, however, many fisherman were due to embrace the opportunities that this wind farm offered. Due to the innovatory nature of these fisherman many opportunities would have been realised both on and offshore.”
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