Environment Minister Alex Attwood has confirmed planning permission for an Energy from Waste (EfW) gasification plant in Lisburn.

The site, at the former Burn House Rendering facility to the west of Lisburn, will convert 80,000 tonnes of mixed waste each year into electricity and heat. This is through the gasification process which heats the waste to produce a synthetic gas fuel, which in turn is used to produce steam which is used to create electricity.

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Mr Attwood said: "This facility will provide a boost for the Lisburn area creating construction jobs in the short term and permanent skilled jobs once completed. I am a firm supporter of Energy from Waste opportunities and of alternative, more environmentally sustainable energy plans. This facility will deal with our waste, prevent landfill and create renewable energy.

"Whilst I am currently consulting on an ambitious 60% target of waste being recycled by 2020, there is still a need for facilities to deal with waste that is not recyclable. This proposal achieves the right balance in planning terms, is good for the economy and a better option for the environment."

(CD/JP)