Time running out on poultry litter solution
08 October 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has said nothing less than urgent action to establish a way forward on poultry litter is required to safeguard the Northern Ireland poultry industry.
The MEP said,
“While expressions of support for the Rose Energy project have come from UFU and NIGTA in recent weeks, there has been a lack of leadership on the part of the Executive in ensuring our poultry industry is protected from the very real threat of non-compliance penalties.”
“We are approaching the final 2 months of the Nitrates Directive derogation, and still nothing concrete is in place to demonstrate to Europe that the poultry industry will be able to comply with the Directive’s provisions. The Rose Energy proposal is Northern Ireland’s best opportunity to do just that, which is why I am concerned at attempts to delay or even scupper this project altogether”.
“I understand an interdepartmental working group has been set up to explore what options are available to the poultry sector to comply with the Nitrates Directive’s obligations beyond 31st December 2008. The Poultry Working Group was to have delivered its report by the end of September, while DARD is apparently drawing up an options paper. Time is of the essence, which is why I have requested an urgent meeting with Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to discuss these important matters.”
ENDS
