Menu
06/07/2018
Bid To Overturn Mallusk Incinerator Rejected
The Court of Appeal has rejected a bid by the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) over its decision to approve planning permission for a waste incinerator in Mallusk.
The decision, in relation to the planned facility at Hightown had been made by the permanent secretary of the DfI, following the collapse of Stormont.
Previously, a High Court judge ruled that senior civil servants did not have the power to grant planning for the incinerator.
The DfI appealed against the verdict, however it has been denied.
Sinn Féin Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín welcomed the decision.
He said: "The Court was very clear that it would be contrary to the Good Friday Agreement for such a significant and controversial decision such as the incinerator to be taken by departmental officials in the absence of an Executive.
"The North South Interconnector is important to the development of the island but it must be undergrounded.
"Currently Fine Gael and the Independents seek to construct 409 pylons – some of them up to 51m high – carrying 400,000V through Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone.
"Some will be constructed at a minimum distance of 13m from people's houses. With regards, tourism, heritage, agriculture and communities the current plan with radically damage these counties.
"There is also serious health concerns and home and property values would be damaged. It is both technically and financially feasible to underground this interconnector and that’s what the government must do.
"Serious questions must now be asked of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment who has already started procurement process for the building of the Interconnector before the full planning process is fully complete."
(CD)
The decision, in relation to the planned facility at Hightown had been made by the permanent secretary of the DfI, following the collapse of Stormont.
Previously, a High Court judge ruled that senior civil servants did not have the power to grant planning for the incinerator.
The DfI appealed against the verdict, however it has been denied.
Sinn Féin Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín welcomed the decision.
He said: "The Court was very clear that it would be contrary to the Good Friday Agreement for such a significant and controversial decision such as the incinerator to be taken by departmental officials in the absence of an Executive.
"The North South Interconnector is important to the development of the island but it must be undergrounded.
"Currently Fine Gael and the Independents seek to construct 409 pylons – some of them up to 51m high – carrying 400,000V through Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone.
"Some will be constructed at a minimum distance of 13m from people's houses. With regards, tourism, heritage, agriculture and communities the current plan with radically damage these counties.
"There is also serious health concerns and home and property values would be damaged. It is both technically and financially feasible to underground this interconnector and that’s what the government must do.
"Serious questions must now be asked of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment who has already started procurement process for the building of the Interconnector before the full planning process is fully complete."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 September 2017
Sinn Fein And SDLP Hit Out After Plans For Hightown Incinerator Approved
Sinn Fein and the SDLP have slammed a decision by the Department of Infrastructure after plans were approved to develop the ARC21 incinerator in Glengormley. Both parties said the decision was a "disgrace".
Sinn Fein And SDLP Hit Out After Plans For Hightown Incinerator Approved
Sinn Fein and the SDLP have slammed a decision by the Department of Infrastructure after plans were approved to develop the ARC21 incinerator in Glengormley. Both parties said the decision was a "disgrace".
04 January 2018
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
23 April 2013
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
29 April 2010
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
09 May 2002
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
