Turbines not on approved list -Allister
07 July 2008
In recent correspondence between Jim Allister MEP and Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister of State for Energy, it has been revealed that the Chinese ‘Powerbreeze’ marque of wind turbines which received EU funds under a DARD scheme, were not on Government’s list of approved turbines, known as ‘Clear Skies’ at the time of contracting.
Jim Allister said,
“In recent weeks, I have made enquiries to the UK Energy Minister as to whether the Chinese variety of turbines which have been at the centre of serious health and safety concerns on the part of 11 project promoters in Northern Ireland, appeared on the Clear Skies list of approved equipment. I have discovered that Powerbreeze turbines, which have subsequently been removed from the Clear Skies list, were only first approved on 21st May 2006, which is after contracts were signed for the scheme in question.”
“These findings are contrary to DARD’s misleading account that both turbine types were on the Clear Skies list of approved products. Powerbreeze turbines were not approved until after these turbines had been approved for the scheme in question, and indeed, were subsequently removed from that scheme, presumably because of the experience of users in Northern Ireland.”
“I have many concerns about the maladministration which appears to accompany this DARD scheme from start to finish. DARD permitted farmers and rural businesses to make significant financial commitments on equipment, without ensuring the same appeared on a Government list of approved turbines.”
“I am also aware that DFP raised particular concerns about the manner in which DARD initiated its tender process for this scheme back in November 2004. Indeed, I have in my possession written documentation from DFP, which states that the process, “does not seem to have complied with Government Accounting Northern Ireland or EU guidelines”, and would therefore “be open to criticism from Audit and possible challenges from disgruntled suppliers”.
“Tendering processes were indeed flawed, as was the equipment supplied to 11 small rural businesses as a result of this DARD scheme. These businesses/farmers remain out of pocket, while despite press reports to the contrary, no satisfactory resolution has yet been found. I have decided to refer this matter to the Northern Ireland Audit Office, and have asked for an independent investigation to be carried out.”
ENDS
