§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many local councils are investigating the development of waste incineration plants; what financial resources have been involved; 333W whether the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has established a co-ordinating facility to encourage and assist local government attempts; and if she will make a statement. [22800]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyWhile district councils in Northern Ireland continue to explore new options for waste management, none has undertaken a detailed study of the development of waste incineration plants, nor has the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland established any co-ordinating facility to encourage and assist such developments. The Government are currently formulating proposals for a Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy which will address the issue of how incineration should contribute to the overall management of waste. The Department is considering applications from two companies—NIGEN Ltd. and Belfast Waste Services Ltd.—for planning permission to develop municipal waste incinerators in the Belfast harbour area.