Dickson Questions Whether Economy Minister is Doing Enough to Support Improved Indoor Ventilation

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has questioned whether the Department for the Economy is doing enough to ensure business premises have access to support packages that will enable them to improve indoor ventilation, and therefore reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission in social settings.

Mr Dickson said: “The Scottish Government has recently announced that local businesses will be able to access a £25 million fund to improve ventilation of indoor spaces. Under the scheme, grants will be given to restaurants, bars, gyms, and other close proximity and therefore high risk social settings. Companies will be able to use the funding to install carbon dioxide monitors, alter windows and vents, and undertake other such work to improve indoor ventilation.

“As Northern Ireland continues to reopen – with social distancing measures loosening, and nightclubs reopening – improved ventilation will play a crucial role in reducing transmission, sustaining a safe reopening, and contributing to our continued recovery from the worst impacts of Covid-19.

“Adopting a fund similar to that being rolled out in Scotland, would certainly help us to achieve these objectives. That is why I am asking the Minister for the Economy, what proposals his team have developed to support companies looking to improve premise ventilation?”