HC Deb 22 February 1988 vol 128 cc87-8W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will rescind his previous decision granting planning permission to Blue Circle and require Blue Circle to readvertise its proposals for Magheramorne quarry so as to make clear its intention to infill the quarry with rubbish.

Mr. Needham

Planning permission has not been granted to Blue Circle Industries plc for landfill and reclamation of its former limestone quarry at Magheramorne, Larne.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish his reasons for not agreeing to hold a public inquiry regarding the proposal by Blue Circle to develop a rubbish dump at Magheramorne limestone quarry in East Antrim.

Mr. Needham

In view of the representations received from Larne borough council, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is currently reconsidering whether or not a public inquiry into this proposal should be held.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps will be taken to ensure that poisonous leachate will not travel through cracks in rock into Larne lough or underground fresh water systems if dumping at Magheramorne proceeds.

Mr. Needham

The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is currently considering an application for consent under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 in connection with a proposal to develop a waste disposal facility at Magheramorne. The determination of such applications is designed to prevent water pollution and consents invariably contain rigorous conditions.