Sinn Fein has told the Permanent Secrretary for the Department for Infrastructure that his decision to approve the Hightown Incinerator near Glengormley in Co Antrim was "wrong".

MLA Declan Kearney led a party delegation in a meeting with Peter May on Monday, 18 September.

He also raised concerns about the serious impact the plant would have on the greater Hightown and Glengormley areas.

He said: "The decision to approve the incinerator plans flies in the face of widespread community and political opposition. The serious risk to the local environment is well rehearsed, not least the repercussions for the health of the growing local population and the local infrastructure which it serves."

-- Advertisement --

"There are also grave concerns about the nature and timing of the decision taken by Peter May. Questions arise about how such a major, controversial decision can be taken by a senior civil servant contrary to the united opposition of all local elected representatives and 4,000 objectors.

"We raised very serious political concerns about the process used to make this decision at this time.

"I am dissatisfied with the explanations offered by the Permanent Secretary and his staff and I intend to have further discussions this week on the situation.

"I advised the Permanent Secretary that this issue will continue to be revisited. I also told him that his decision was wrong and should be immediately revoked."

(CD/MH)