ScottishPower Renewables has restarted construction of the 50MW Beinn an Tuirc 3 wind project after the Scottish government updated guidelines on essential construction work during the country’s COVID-19 lockdown.
The company told reNEWS it had restarted work at the 14 turbine extension in South Kintyre in a phased manner yesterday with main construction work beginning from next week.
The restart came after the Scottish government published updated guidelines for the construction sector, where it is has said that all non-essential work should cease.
The guidance, published on 1 May, now says essential work includes projects “which are critical to the safe and secure operation of the system in the short to medium term”.
It also added that “new build electricity substation and generation projects not due to commission or export within the next 12 months” should be considered non-essential.
Beinn an Tuirc 3 is due online in 2021.
The move to restart work has triggered controversy in the local area with politicians and community councils expressing concern that workers travelling to the remote area could spread coronavirus.
SNP Councillor John Armour said he had contacted the company last week and it had delayed the restart from Monday in light of the death of a popular local paramedic infected by the coronavirus.
Armour added that he and MSP Michael Russell had taken part in a conference call with the company yesterday and would ask further local representatives to join another call today.
A spokesperson for ScottishPower told reNEWS the guidance “permits companies to resume work and continue construction across a number of areas – including energy supply projects – which have been designated essential public services”.
The company added that work had now resumed “with a small number of personnel beginning to re-mobilise at the site”.
“In direct response to the pleas of local politicians following the recent tragic death of a well-known and respected member of the local community, main construction works will not get underway until next week.”
The spokesperson added: “We’re very aware of the strength of feeling in the local community and are working closely with local representatives – including community councillors, councillors, MP and MSP – to ensure they are fully informed about the extraordinary measures we have put in place to minimise contact between the workforce and local community and to provide the necessary reassurance to the people and communities in Kintyre.”
Measures include managing accommodation, travel and working arrangements around “family units”, arranging food deliveries, and undertaking temperature testing as well as following social distancing guidelines.
“We take our role as a responsible member of the Kintyre community very seriously indeed and have appointed a dedicated liaison officer for this project, who is a resident of Campbeltown, and who will keep the local community informed about what we’re doing and highlight any concerns or feedback that may be raised,” the spokesperson added.
“We will also continue the open and transparent dialogue we’re having with the local community on an ongoing basis.”
“We can assure everyone in Kintyre that the health and wellbeing of local people and staff on site will continue to be a key priority as we get back to work on Beinn an Tuirc 3, allowing us to support the local community together.”