Minister approves 'energy from chicken waste' plant
ENVIRONMENT Minister Edwin Poots has given the go ahead to controversial plans for a biomass fuelled power plant at Glenavy.
The controversial planning application by Rose Energy Limited for the power plant which will be fuelled by poultry bedding and meat and bone meal was designated a major application under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order in September 2008.
The Minister said: "The power plant facility will create in the region of 300-400 construction jobs and approximately 30 permanent jobs in the operation of the facility once constructed. It will also have indirect employment and investment benefits in connection with Belfast Port and the haulage industry in Northern Ireland."
The DOE said a biomass fuelled incineration plant is "currently recognised as the only proven technology for processing poultry litter on a commercial scale that significantly reduces the volume of litter to be disposed off. This type of plant can help Northern Ireland comply with the EU Nitrates Directive and avoid potential EU infraction costs."
The Department received a large number of representations both in support of, (6342 letters and 4 petitions) and objecting to, (6733 letters and 1 petition ) the proposal.
Mr Poots concluded: "I am fully aware of both the opposition and support for the power plant, and that I have a judgement to make between the benefits of the proposal to the poultry industry and the Northern Ireland economy and the potential adverse impacts on residential amenity and the landscape setting.
"Having given the proposal careful consideration, including visiting the site and viewing it from Lough Neagh, I am satisfied that on balance it should be approved.
"This type of investment is necessary to further stimulate the local economy, something the Executive is striving to secure. It is an example of investment that can contribute in many ways, providing long-term work, generating power, supporting local agriculture, and related industries."
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Weather for Lisburn
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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