HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 cc584-6W
David Burnside

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what criteria a decision on the implementation of the EC Directive 1999/31 on the landfill of waste will be based. [92278]

Angela Smith

The Landfill Directive contains two separate components—targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) going to landfill and the introduction of detailed regulatory requirements in relation to the design, operation and aftercare of sites.

The decision on how the BMW targets will be achieved in NI will be based on the outcome of a consultation exercise which has just ended. An analysis of responses is underway to determine the preferred option for NI.

The implementation of the regulatory requirements of the Directive will be based on the detailed prescriptive criteria already contained in the Directive.

David Burnside

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated cost is of implementing EC Directive 1999/31 on the landfill of waste in Northern Ireland; how much of this cost will be borne by district councils; and if he will make a statement. [92275]

Angela Smith

The Landfill Directive contains two separate components—targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) going to landfill and the introduction of detailed regulatory requirements in relation to the design, operation and aftercare of sites.

A consultation paper, published in October 2002, set out four options for achieving the BMW targets. The paper was accompanied by a partial regulatory impact assessment (RIA) which gave indicative costs relating to four options for dealing with the waste which has to be diverted from landfill. The consultation exercise has just ended and an analysis of responses is underway to determine the preferred option for NI. Actual costs will not be known until a full regulatory impact assessment has been undertaken on the preferred option.

The estimated cost of implementing the regulatory requirements of the Directive will not be known until a RIA has been undertaken. This is planned for later this year.

David Burnside

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the locations are of wind farm applications seeking planning approval in Northern Ireland; and what stage the current applications have reached. [92272]

Angela Smith

Planning Service is currently dealing with six planning applications for wind farms; these applications and their current status are as follows:

(i) Planning application J/2001/0291/F for a wind farm for Bin Mountain, in the district of Strabane, in the townlands of Bolaght, Lettercarn, Binnawooda, Drummahon, Castlecraig, Curraghmacall, Ally, Meenabog and Meenacloy, and Drumquin, Co. Tyrone. This application was presented to Strabane district council on 26 February 2002 with a recommendation to refuse. The reasons for refusal were that the proposal would: be significantly detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the area; have an adverse effect on nature conservation interests; have an adverse effect on Lough Lee from construction activity and contamination.

The application was deferred by the council to allow a site meeting to take place. This meeting took place on 31 May 2002, and as a result the applicant indicated verbally that he will withdraw the application.

(ii) Planning application K/2001/048/F for a wind farm in the district of Omagh, in the townlands of Lough Hill, Castlecraig, Curraghmacall and Drummahon, Co. Tyrone. The access would be from the Meenacloy Road via an existing forestry road through the townlands of Meenacloy, Meenabog, Ally and Sloughan, and Drumquin, Co. Tyrone. Planning Service is awaiting further consultation responses and the proposal is still under consideration by the Department.

(iii) Planning application L/2001/1346/F for a wind farm in the district of Fermanagh, in the townlands of Garrane, Mullaghfad, Corraleek and Corragunt, and Rosslea, Co. Fermanagh. Planning Service is awaiting further consultation responses and the proposal is still under consideration by the Department.

(iv) Planning application L/2001/1514/F for a wind farm in the district of Fermanagh, in the townlands of Callagheen and Garrison, Co. Fermanagh. This proposal was presented to Fermanagh district council on 16 January 2003 with a recommendation to refuse. The reasons for the refusal were that the proposal would: be detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the proposed area of outstanding natural beauty; have an adverse impact on nature conservation

The council deferred the application to allow for an office meeting, the date of which is to be arranged.

(v) Planning application L/2002/1042/F for a wind farm in the district of Fermanagh, in the townlands of Glenarn, Stranahone and Stranadarriff, Tappaghan Mountain and Lack, Co. Fermanagh. Planning Service is awaiting further consultation responses and the proposal is still under consideration by the Department.

(vi) Planning application L/2002/1183/F for a wind farm in the district of Fermanagh, in the townlands of Caricknabrattoge, Carrowmaculla, Eshmeen and Tully, and Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh. Planning Service is awaiting further consultation responses and the proposal is still under consideration by the Department.