Menter Môn under the guise of “The Morlais Project” have submitted:
A Marine License Application ORML1938 (offshore development) for the installation and commercialisation of up to 620 tidal energy devices starting 500 meters off the west coast of Holy Island (Anglesey):
A Transport Work Order Application TWA/3234121 (a compulsory purchase order for onshore inf development) to route 240MW of electricity from South Stack to Holyhead (Orthios Site):
Click the link below for the full overview:
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The wildlife and conservation groups all agree that many of the assessments that Morlais have submitted are inadequate, and the technology, monitoring and mitigation methods are not appropriate for a project of this scale and magnitude; indeed that some of the assessments have been based on broad scale generalisations in the absence of evidence. ECRMA (Encounter & Collision Rate Modelling Assessments) indicate the potential extinction of an entire razorbill colony at South Stack’ and that the impact on the mortality rate on marine species such as Bottlenose, Risso and Common Dolphins, Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise and Grey and Harbour Seals remains high. View document
Further, it has been stated in objections that the Project has the potential to adversely impact the integrity of Cardigan Bay SAC (Special Area Of Conservation)
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An Anglesey/Gwynedd Council survey found that 41 % of visitors were attracted to the region by the scenery, landscapes and areas of natural beauty.
The Anglesey Coastal Path closely follows the coastline along the north west of Holy Island exactly where the Morlais Project will have a significant impact on landscapes, seascapes and environmental designated/protected areas. It is hard to believe that there wont be significant disruption to the local road networks and access to the coastal paths and other tourism/recreational activities. This area attracts circa 180,000 visitors per year who are supported by a thriving local holiday accommodation sector which in turn supports local employment.
If Morlais get the opportunity to industrialise this area of natural beauty, what cost to tourism, the thriving local hospitality sector and local jobs? Link document (section 10) Link to NRW letter
An Anglesey/Gwynedd Council survey found that 41 % of visitors were attracted to the region by the scenery, landscapes and areas of natural beauty.
The Anglesey Coastal Path closely follows the coastline along the north west of Holy Island exactly where the Morlais Project will have a significant impact on landscapes, seascapes and environmental designated/protected areas. It is hard to believe that there wont be significant disruption to the local road networks and access to the coastal paths and other tourism/recreational activities. This area attracts circa 180,000 visitors per year who are supported by a thriving local holiday accommodation sector which in turn supports local employment.
If Morlais get the opportunity to industrialise this area of natural beauty,
what cost to tourism, the thriving local hospitality sector and local jobs? Link document (section 10)
Link to NRW letter
SSHG fully support the sustainable development of marine renewable energy generation as part of Wales’ and the UK’s energy policy. We believe that marine renewable energy generation can be compatible with an healthy natural environment but that this should not be at the expense of our most important heritage & wildlife sites and species. A significant concern with the Morlais Project is that the west coast of Holy Island is an highly protected area of natural beauty and conservation and as such is the wrong location to be developing and demonstrating industrial sized tidal stream energy devices.
