ARC Phase 2 Socio-Economic Report
A report exploring the socio-economic impacts of the proposed offshore wind farms to the west of Islay, Tiree and Kintyre has been published. The report, commissioned by ARC members (Islay Energy Trust, Kintyre Energy Trust, South Kintyre Development Trust and Tiree Community Development Trust) from SQW, follows on from an initial scoping report (published in February 2010)
The broad purpose of this work was to assist local communities in engaging with developers and relevant authorities so as to strengthen the respective communities’ roles in the development of the projects and in the consenting process.
In summary, the report’s findings highlight the poor understanding of the planning consent process at community level and identify weaknesses vis-a-vis community engagement in the process. Evidence from other offshore wind farms indicates that local employment opportunities are more likely in the operations and maintenance phase rather than in construction and installation, that impacts on fishing, housing, tourism, seascapes, etc. are uncertain and require specific local assessment.
As part of the process of compiling the report, local community surveys were conducted. Responses and concerns about impacts – both positive and negative – varied between projects, but in general there was a broad appreciation of the potential issues and impacts, and an indication of willingness to engage in debate about the complex matters inherent in such projects.
The report recommends that communities and developers maintain close contact so that the former’s concerns are integrated into development plans, and that the Tiree scenario mapping exercise be monitored with a view to considering the value of replicating it elsewhere.
ARC members are grateful to LEADER, HIE, SNH, RSPB and ScottishPower Renewables for their financial support without which the study would not have been possible.
