The Chief Executives of the six Arc21 partner councils (Antrim & Newtownabbey, Belfast City, Ards & North Down, Lisburn & Castlereagh, Mid and East Antrim & Newry and Mourne) must not provide public funding or support to judicially review the Ministerial decision to refuse planning application for this damaging and dirty incinerator.
Why is this important?
In March 2022 former Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon refused permission for the planning application for a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facility and waste incinerator at Hightown Quarry, beside North Belfast.
The planning decision was made following over 5,000 objections submitted by the local
community, and a wide range of political representatives from MPs to Councillors. It will increase the market for waste disposal and discourage recycling. Waste technology, waste composition and recycling policies had all moved on since the project was first conceived 15 years ago, and it should be abandoned once and for all - not blindly pursued with public money.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60893249
The planning refusal followed a long running campaign by the No-Arc21 group who represent
residents around the Mallusk, North Belfast and South Antrim areas, who are opposed to the
controversial project.
This planning application was refused by a previous Environment Minister Mark Durkan, and successfully challenged in the Courts by No-
Arc21. There is comprehensive and widespread political opposition to the project from all political Parties in South Antrim and beyond. Alternative do exist and if this Incinerator goes ahead it will reduce recycling and result in millions of tonnes of CO2 being emitted and accelerating climate change. This challenge is a flagrant waste of public money and resources can be better targeted to increase recycling to 70% by 2030 as per the Climate Change targets on Waste Management.
During the current inflationary pressures that many households and workers are facing at present, councils should not be wasting more money on a legal case which questions local Ministerial powers to make such decisions. Over £20 million has been spent on the "Waste Monster" to date, how many pot holes, hospital beds, pay rises for key workers etc. could have been sorted in the over eight years of this white elephant. Bin the Burner
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