Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Adrian Cochrane Watson MLA, has said that the Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell and the Stormont system have failed Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector.

Mr Cochrane-Watson said:

“I entered Stormont in June 2015 and was delighted to be given the challenge of sitting on the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee. The issue of renewables and the Northern Ireland renewables obligation (NIRO) was discussed at my very first Committee meeting. What has unfolded in the intervening period has been nothing less than a shambles.

“We have heard differing stories and contradictory information. When we question departmental officials we did not get a straight answer. I come from the world of business, and, if I were to transfer some of these experiences to my former family business, I would be bankrupt in three months. It would not be tolerated in the private sector and it should not be tolerated here.  Decisions need to be made and honoured.

“Stormont has failed the renewables sector. A matter of weeks ago, it failed them on renewable heat incentives. It failed them when it gave previous commitments. In November, it failed them when understandings were given that the scheme would stay open to 31 March. And Stormont is failing again with the closure of the scheme to large-scale projects.

“The Northern Ireland Executive has failed and will no doubt try to camouflage the truth by concentrating on those targets which it has met. For almost eight or nine months, I have sat in a Committee, and it has been like an episode from 'Jackanory'. I want to be here, to be optimistic, to deliver and to offer a positive vision for the local economy because what we have is certainly not as good as it gets.

“In the next mandate the Ulster Unionist Party will not abandon the renewables sector. We will, as a matter of priority, work to ensure continued investment in renewables and aim to move away from fossil fuels and dependence upon them.”