Anti-incinerator campaigners voice concerns in virtual meeting with environment minister

Newtownabbey-based NoARC21 has met with Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots in its ongoing campaign against a proposed waste incinerator in the Hightown area.
The meeting was held via Zoom on June 24.The meeting was held via Zoom on June 24.
The meeting was held via Zoom on June 24.

The community group was established to highlight residents’ concerns over arc21’s plans for a waste incinerator and associated facilities in the Boghill Road area of Mallusk.

Members have been voicing opposition to proposals for the residual waste treatment facility since March 2013.

In a statement issued to this paper following yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) meeting, via Zoom, Minister Poots said: “I will take full consideration of the matter in the context of the ongoing planning process for the Hightown facility and of the strategic and long-term needs for waste management and the circular economy in Northern Ireland.

“While I am currently not convinced, I am convincible.”

The meeting was also attended by political and community representatives including South Antrim MP Paul Girvan, Pam Cameron MLA and Councillor Noreen McClelland.

Praising the efforts of the campaigners, Mr Girvan said: “This meeting with Minister Edwin Poots was very constructive and work is carrying on to ensure residents’ concerns are heard loud and clear at all levels in government and the decision making process.

“The cost implications and the necessity for such a large scale proposed development have not been justified.  The No-ARC21 group have to be commended for their efforts over these past number of years challenging these proposals. The overwhelming voice of the community here is in total opposition.”

His DUP colleague Mrs Cameron said: “Northern Ireland is still on course to meet recycling targets and therefore the demand does not even appear to be there for such an incinerator. The value for money to the public purse is in serious doubt.

“Ultimately this planning decision comes to the Department for Infrastructure who should very strongly consider the detrimental impact this could have on the local community.”

Speaking following the meeting, SDLP Cllr McClelland said: “The need for an incinerator on this site has no basis in reality. It neither makes economic or environmental sense.

“Arc21 need to take these plans off the table and stop riding roughshod over the wishes of the community.”

Welcoming the discussions, Colin Buick, NoArc21 chair, said: “NoArc21 feel the message is finally resonating across the political spectrum and within governmental departments at the highest level. The fight goes on as it always has from day one until the application is binned.”

The Department for Infrastructure announced in September 2017 full planning permission had been granted for the facility at the Hightown Quarry site. However, in 2018 the Court of Appeal ruled Stormont officials did not have the legal authority to grant permission for the facility.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.