Meeting at Lisburn City Council

Monday 5th October

Danny Moore, the CALNI president, delivered a strong message detailing the ways in which CALNI has not only identified the serious failings of the Rose Energy proposal, but also come up with technically and economically viable alternatives for the poultry industry. Questions followed that were taken by Danny, the CALNI chairman Ray Clarke, George Bain and Michael High. Many of them were more statements of support than questions of detail. Several councillors supported our call for outright rejection of the application. This is more positive than previous calls for a public inquiry.

All the councillors received our report on the Site Selection process, one of many documents that CALNI has lodged with the planners. Edwin Poots made a point of reading his copy. He was unable to stay for the presentation, as he needs to demonstrate even handedness as the minister ultimately responsible for the planning decision. However, he was at pains to point out that he is taking a personal interest in the application and would welcome a private meeting with CALNI to ensure that he receives information with which to balance the lobbying that Rose are carrying out. Some of his DUP colleagues who remained for our presentation made a point of speaking to me after the meeting, expressing their support for our cause.

The highlight of the evening was the resolution by the council:-

It was proposed by Councillor D J Craig, seconded by the Deputy Mayor, Alderman S P Porter and agreed to recommend that the Council writes to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and to the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development within the Northern Ireland Assembly in regard to the consideration of potential alternative waste management technologies and technology providers which could result in a more cost effective solution to the poultry litter issue.

Following an amendment by Councillor B McCrea, it was further agreed to recommend that a letter be also forwarded to the Northern Ireland Executive on this matter.

The Council have made a positive response to a positive presentation from CALNI and have called from positive leadership from our leaders at Stormont.