Menu
17/05/2018
DfI To Appeal Decision Over Controversial Incinerator Project
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is to appeal a judge's decision over a planning application for the controversial incinerator project.
The proposed arc21 Residual Waste Treatment facility in Mallusk, Co Antrim, was blocked by the High Court on Monday, 14 May.
Head of the Civil Service David Sterling said: "We have been very clear that significant decisions about policy and the allocation of resources should be taken by democratically-accountable Ministers. But, in the absence of an Executive, civil servants have had to take the unusual step of taking decisions on some issues which would normally have been brought to Ministers for decision.
"We have been doing this reluctantly and only after taking legal advice. And we never expected, or wanted, to have to do this other than for a very short period of time.
"Each decision has been taken on its own merits and senior officials have acted where they believed it was lawful to do so – where it was consistent with the direction of the previous Minister or necessary in the public interest that a decision be taken at the time.
"The arc21 judgment has potentially wide-ranging implications for decision-making in the ongoing absence of Ministers. That is why it is important we obtain greater clarity on the legal position and why it is right for DfI to seek to appeal.”
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said he is disappointed that the DfI is appealing the decision.
He said: "When I met with Peter May on the 18th September I told him he had made the wrong decision in granting planning permission to the ARC21 proposal, and advised him to rescind that decision. He chose not to do so. That advice was vindicated on Monday.
"On Monday we advised the Department not to appeal the court ruling, but they have since ignored that advice as well.
"The Department for Infrastructure needs to start listening to what I as a local MLA, the NOARC21 campaign group, and residents from within the greater Hightown and Mallusk area are saying.
"The decision taken on Monday was a victory for local democracy, accountability and campaigning residents."
(CD/MH)
The proposed arc21 Residual Waste Treatment facility in Mallusk, Co Antrim, was blocked by the High Court on Monday, 14 May.
Head of the Civil Service David Sterling said: "We have been very clear that significant decisions about policy and the allocation of resources should be taken by democratically-accountable Ministers. But, in the absence of an Executive, civil servants have had to take the unusual step of taking decisions on some issues which would normally have been brought to Ministers for decision.
"We have been doing this reluctantly and only after taking legal advice. And we never expected, or wanted, to have to do this other than for a very short period of time.
"Each decision has been taken on its own merits and senior officials have acted where they believed it was lawful to do so – where it was consistent with the direction of the previous Minister or necessary in the public interest that a decision be taken at the time.
"The arc21 judgment has potentially wide-ranging implications for decision-making in the ongoing absence of Ministers. That is why it is important we obtain greater clarity on the legal position and why it is right for DfI to seek to appeal.”
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said he is disappointed that the DfI is appealing the decision.
He said: "When I met with Peter May on the 18th September I told him he had made the wrong decision in granting planning permission to the ARC21 proposal, and advised him to rescind that decision. He chose not to do so. That advice was vindicated on Monday.
"On Monday we advised the Department not to appeal the court ruling, but they have since ignored that advice as well.
"The Department for Infrastructure needs to start listening to what I as a local MLA, the NOARC21 campaign group, and residents from within the greater Hightown and Mallusk area are saying.
"The decision taken on Monday was a victory for local democracy, accountability and campaigning residents."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
25 November 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
