SDLP Antrim Councillor Thomas Burns has welcomed Environment Minister Alex Attwood’s decision to refuse planning permission to the Rose Energy incinerator in Glenavy.

Mr Burns said the decision was the right one and said it never should have been proposed for an area of high scenic value.

He said: “I fully welcome Environment Minister Alex Attwood's decision to refuse planning permission for the Rose Energy incinerator. I believe that it’s the best decision and the only decision that could have been reached.

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"A lot of other decisions rely heavily on the outcome of this planning application, most notably the many people who were put off from buying property in the area and businesses who were holding off from investing.

"This decision will, hopefully, put the issue to rest and the entire community can now look forward with moving on. The business community can plan ahead for the new year with an economic strategy that seeks to kick-start investment and will protect the natural beauty and environment of the Lough Shore area."

(CD/IT)