A drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus is to be restored to its natural state.

Workers at Infrastrata stopped drilling work after failing to to locate any oil in the area in June this year.

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he had been in contact with Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard who confirmed the restoration work will be completed by August 2016.

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Mr Dickson said: "The site will be left ready for replanting, which will be undertaken at a later date by the Forestry Service. Northern Ireland Water does not anticipate having to undertake any restorative works, but will continue to work closely with Infrastrata and relevant agencies to ensure the site is fully restored as soon as possible."

(CD)