Wednesday 29 January 2020
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods MLA reacted with disappointment and concern after DAERA Minister Edwin Poots rejected a call for a Public Inquiry into the extent of illegal waste disposal in Northern Ireland yesterday evening (Tuesday 29 February 2020).
The call for a Public Inquiry was previously unanimously agreed by MLAs, including DUP Members in March 2014.
The issue was brought to public attention following a BBC Spotlight Programme in February 2014 exposing the unprecedented scale of illegal waste disposal at Mobuoy Road, on the banks of the River Faughan, Derry.
Rachel Woods MLA said:
“I asked Minister Poots via an Assembly Question if he would instigate a Public Inquiry into the scourge of illegal dumping across Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, yesterday the Minister indicated that he didn’t support the call for a Public Inquiry.
“This is despite cross party support for an Inquiry in March 2014. Indeed, Minister Poots’ DUP colleagues supported the call for a Public Inquiry and the need to investigate the role of unauthorised quarries and planning enforcement issues in facilitating environmental crime.
“I will continue to scrutinise the Department’s record on tackling environmental crime. There must be a robust response to the destruction of our natural environment through illegal dumping.”
ENDS
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