Upper Bann Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson is to raise concerns on behalf of the local poultry industry with the Environment and Agriculture Ministers at Stormont. 

Mrs Dobson, who is also the party’s Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, described planning rules which are standing in the way of the future expansion of the local poultry industry as ‘draconian.’

The Upper Bann MLA made her comments after meeting industry leaders, including Moy Park Directors, at this year’s Balmoral Show. 

Mrs Dobson said:

“Northern Ireland can be proud of its poultry industry, not least the terrific contribution made to our economy by Moy Park which has its Headquarters in Portadown.  Not only does the industry as a whole sustain around 7,000 jobs, it leads to significant trickle down benefits for the wider economy.  

“However, this important element of our agri-food industry is being held back from expansion by planning laws which are effectively leading to jobs and investment opportunities moving to England. I want to see these jobs created in Northern Ireland – not heading across the water. 

“At the Balmoral Show I was delighted to hear that Moy Park, who work with more than 800 local farmers, is increasing its local production. That is obviously good news but I am very concerned that planning delays and hold-ups on poultry sheds are leading to future expansion in England at the expense of Northern Ireland.  

“I am calling for action to be taken now to enable the expansion of the local industry which would secure this future business for our local farmers and lead to greater employment opportunities locally. 

“I have written directly to the Environment Minister to urge that the rules surrounding planning applications for poultry sheds are reviewed in the best interest of the Northern Ireland economy as a whole. 

“I will also be raising this issue at the Agriculture Committee where I will be seeking the support for the poultry industry from politicians across the political spectrum at Stormont.   

“Northern Ireland cannot afford to allow a continual drip-feed of investment to go across the water to England simply because of the bureaucratic planning process we have in place.  I for one am fully behind our local industry as it seeks to create more jobs and investment in Northern Ireland.”