Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has said the SDLP Environment Minister needs to come clean on the continued threat to mine lignite in North Antrim, following the publication of the Northern Area Plan.
During Question Time at Stormont, the North Antrim MLA asked Minister Mark H Durkan:
“Will he assure the House that the Area plan will ensure that lignite mining and fracking will not proceed in the area?”
The Minister told Mr Swann, “As regards the issues that the Member raises, the area plan does not deal with such things.”
Robin Swann MLA said:
“I am completely dissatisfied with the Minister’s response and I have asked him for an urgent meeting to discuss this issue. The Northern Area Plan which he formally adopted on Tuesday 22nd of September clearly states, ‘The lignite deposit in Ballymoney Borough is recognised as an important and valuable mineral resource, part of which has been proven to be of internationally recognised standards. The Plan safeguards this resource, to ensure the reserves remain exploitable if and when the need arises’.
“This is in black and white on page 60, Volume 1 of the Strategic Plan Framework.
“So the plan absolutely does deal with mineral exploitation and mining, but not in a way which gives reassurance to the general public in North Antrim. Previous planning applications which had the potential to mine lignite were refused. These applications have been strongly opposed across all political parties in the area. Therefore I am disappointed that the Minister has continued to protect the potential to permit lignite extraction in North Antrim, whilst telling me in the Assembly Chamber, that it was not included in the Area Plan.”