Member of Parliament for South Down, Margaret Ritchie, has urged the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment to abandon plans to legislate to remove the Renewable Heat Initiative.
Ms Ritchie said: “The Renewable Heat Incentive was designed to allow domestic and non-domestic properties access to grant funding to install renewable energy in homes and business.
“As assurance was previously given in November that the scheme would be secure until at least the 31 March. Now the Minister is bringing proposals to the Assembly on Monday the 15 February to close both schemes with immediate effect on the 16 February.
“To suddenly withdraw the scheme in mid-February, would leave businesses and families in considerable debt, and in many cases, may force traders into administration.
“The closure of these schemes would have a devastating effect on businesses, jobs and family life across South Down. Individual home owners and business proprietors have invested heavily in renewable technology in anticipation of the RHI.
“The RHI has had significant positive environmental impact with benefits in terms of lower emissions and assisting to achieve the renewable heat target included in the Programme for Government.
“I have urged the Minister to withdraw these proposals immediately. The SDLP Assembly Group will be voting en bloc against these proposals. I, along with my SDLP colleagues, am committed to providing green and renewable energy, to secure our environment for future generations,” added Ms Ritchie.
