Colin McGrath MLA argues that there is significantly more clarity of NIEA regulation needed of waste
The SDLP’s Colin McGrath MLA has said that the NIEA must provide further clarity on their regulation of waste management licences following a meeting with the Minister Andrew Muir MLA and the NIEA on Thursday.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “The intermittent smells in Warrenpoint which local residents have been subjected to, have been a blight on their way of life for too long.
“Over the last number of months I have made a concerted effort to address this matter, through the legislative channel and through the Agriculture Minister, who has the real ability to effect quick and lasting change.
“I have been growing more concerned over:
- the ability of the NIEA to regulate waste management licences;
- how they review the practice of operators;
- how variations in licence agreements are determined,
- and the impact this can have on the environment.
“The legislation around our environment is very clear.
“Pollution is defined – in legislation – ‘as harm to the quality of the environment taken as a whole, or to the air, water or land’. It is further defined as an ‘offence to the senses of human beings”’ People in Warrenpoint will know this only too well.
“I met with the Minister, the NIEA and other elected representatives last Thursday. I was incredibly concerned that barely any of my questions to the NIEA were answered.
“This needs to be a wake up call for the NIEA and for the Minister.
“I have therefore tabled these questions to the Minister.
“The community wants answers and they are entitled to them, and I will utilise every political channel at my disposal to ensure that they get the answers, and more importantly, the solutions to this issue,” added Colin McGrath.
The issue of smells around Warrenpoint harbour has been running for over a year much to the disappointment of local residents in the town. With the lack of apparent teeth of the NIEA, is it time there was an independent environmental watchdog set up, with teeth, an environmental agency, to deal with matters such as this and create more openness and accountability about responsibilities to the environment?
