Western Isles officials have slammed the Ministry of Defence for a failure to engage over conflicts between radar and wind farms on the Uists.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leader Angus Campbell has written to the Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne to highlight “disappoinment” over the MOD foot-dragging.
“The process has been frustratingly difficult with the level of engagement from MOD officials leaving much to be desired,” he said.
Campbell said the military agreed earlier this year to take part in a working group to identify potential locations for renewable energy projects but has yet to set the date for an initial meeting.
“The community and local organisations remain keen to make progress and to have a positive engagement and working relationship with the Defence Infrasture Organisation and MOD. Everything that DIO has requested in regard to terms of reference, remit, membership, etc. has been agreed. It is therefore hugely frustrating that DIO will not provide a meeting date to allow this process to go forward.”
The council leader said in his letter to the minister: “It is disappointing that I have to bring this issue to your attention but I feel that there is little option given our repeated and failed attempts at securing a meeting date with DIO.”
A number of community-led projects on the Uists have been refused due to impacts on MOD range facilities and air defence radars.
Image: reNEWS
