Incinerator scheme still awaits planning approval says DOE

THE Communities Against the Lough Neagh Incinerator (CALNI) has welcomed the Department of the Environment’s confirmation that the planning applications relating to the proposed Rose Energy incinerator at Glenavy were never finally approved by the Department under the previous Minister Edwin Poots.

On August 31, 2010, then Minister Mr Poots announced his intention to approve the controversial application for a poultry litter incinerator.

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However in a recent letter to CALNI from the Department of Environment, the Planning Service has confirmed that Mr Poots’ intention to approve the applications never materialised into a formal planning decision.

Following the news, CALNI Chairman Ray Clarke said: “This clarification from Planning Service signals another significant milestone in our opposition to the Rose Energy incinerator and we welcome the new Minister’s affirmation that he wishes to fully examine the planning application.

“Edwin Poots made his controversial announcement a year ago, that he wished to approve planning permission for the incinerator. In the 12 months since we’ve seen countless press reports implying that it was approved when a decision was never actually made. We hope this letter from Planning Service clarifies and eliminates any confusion around the matter.

“Almost 7,000 people have objected to the incinerator application and at the very least we deserve a Public inquiry,” he continued.

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“CALNI remains steadfast in its belief that this application is one of the worst ever submitted in Northern Ireland and that it should be refused outright.

“CALNI is sincerely hopeful that an objective and thorough examination of the facts will lead the current SDLP Planning Minister Alex Attwood to the same conclusion.

“CALNI looks forward to assisting the Department, Minister Attwood and Planning Service in the re-evaluation of this project.”

Mr Clarke concluded: “On behalf of CALNI I would like to thank all those who have assisted and supported this campaign over the past four years. Our community and local employers such as Randox have shown tremendous resolve and spirit in our fight to protect one of the most valuable natural resources in Northern Ireland – Lough Neagh. I have no doubt our campaign will continue for as long as it takes.”

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