SOUTH Down MP MArgaret Ritchie has welcomed the good news for local quarry operators as the UK Treasury reaffirms its commitment to the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme in Northern Ireland.
Currently the scheme has been suspended while the European Commission conducts a formal investigation.
“The Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme was invaluable to our local industry, especially as they face incredibly challenging circumstances in the current economic climate. Across the board construction companies have been hit by the recession which in turn hurts business for quarry operators,” said Ms Ritchie.
“I have taken this issue up with the British government at Westminster and was pleased to hear that they are unreservedly committed to restoring the credit scheme as soon as the European Commission investigation has concluded. They are currently working with the investigation and providing evidence as requested to work towards a positive conclusion.
“Due to the intensely difficult situation faced in the construction industry quarry operators are in urgent need of support from the British government and I hope that this issue can be resolved as soon as possible at a European level.”
]]>
