Sep 7 2010
Edwin Poots, Environment Minister of Northern Ireland, has announced his intention to give assent to the plan of constructing a 260,000 ton biomass plant near Glenavy in Co. Antrim. The proposed plant will use poultry wastes such as chicken bedding, bone meal and meat to produce 30 MW biomass power.
Application for the construction of the plant was made by Rose Energy Ltd during June 2008. More than 12,000 members of the local community have made their representations to the Department for Environment voicing for and against the construction of such a plant.
Edwin Poots
Mr Poots, while making the announcement said that he has full knowledge about the support and resistance from the local community for the construction of the plant. He added that his judgment to give permission for the construction was based on the benefits such a proposal could bring to the poultry industry and to the economy of Northern Ireland and also on the possible unfavorable impacts such a plant could bring in a residential locality. He added that he has arrived at the conclusion after making a personal visit to the location to assess the local situation.
Justifying his permission for the plant Mr.Poots, said investments in such type of plants is expected to encourage the economy and such projects can also help the local community to grow in a number of ways. He added that the projected plant will provide long term employment opportunities to the local community, generate the much needed power and will also support agriculture and other allied industries.
Before arriving at a conclusion in favor of the plant the minister has made consultations with Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Antrim Borough Council and others.