Larne Lough

I am aware that there have been concerns over the action of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to challenge the High Court decision on allowing Gas Caverns in Larne Lough. This is why I asked the Minister during his statement to the Assembly on Monday to explain his rationale for this decision. Minister Andrew Muir has been a champion for the environment and remains determined to improve protections for it. The decision to grant licenses was taken by the former DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots.

The decision to appeal the Court of Appeal’s ruling was taken on constitutional issues and not environmental considerations. This is due to the potential implications for individual Ministers to make decisions without having to refer them to the Executive. If more referrals are made to the Executive, that has the potential to slow down decision-making on key matters even further. Yet again, this is why the Executive and Assembly need reformed.

Alliance’s 2022 manifesto states our commitment to implement an immediate statutory ban on all current and future fossil fuel exploration. It is a matter for the Economy Minister, who has indicated his intention to ban onshore oil and gas exploration.