South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has welcomed the Environment Minister’s commitment to advance alternative energy.
Mr Kinahan, who is the Ulster Unionist Party’s spokesman on Environment issues, said;
“Thus far much of our efforts and discussions have centred around wind energy and in particular wind farms, but I feel we must also actively explore, encourage and subsidise other forms of alternative energy, including hydro, solar, geo thermal and anaerobic systems.
I very much welcome the reference to a target of 40% of our energy being drawn from alternative sources and look forward to seeing measures put in place to help achieve this. I am particularly keen to see how we can avoid undue delays being caused by our planning process.
This has been a constant source of frustration and it is high time that the planning process became more dynamic and joined up, helping to draw together all responsible departments and all stakeholders in a more focussed and cohesive manner to deliver results for the people of Northern Ireland. ”