HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 c180W
Mr. Robert McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what environmental protection steps his Department is taking in relation to the proposed extension of the Briggs Rock sewage works in Groomsport. [5122]

Mr. Moss

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Water Service under its chief executive, Mr. H.R.F. Plester. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from H. R. F. Plester to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 25 November 1996: Mr Moss has asked me to reply to your parliamentary question asking what environmental protection the Department is taking in relation to the proposed extension of the Briggs Rock sewage works in Groomsport. The Water Service has recently informed North Down Borough Council of its intention to make applications for planning permission for a "small footprint' waste water treatment works and storm water retention tanks at a site near Briggs Rock. These applications will be subject to all the usual planning and consultative processes including full assessment of the environmental impact. If permission is obtained, the steps which would be required to minimise the effects of the environment will be stipulated in the planning permission. The scheme is part of a Private Finance project and is necessary to achieve compliance with EC waste water and bathing water directives.