Sinn Fein is calling for work to develop a new wind turbine at a burial site in Co Down to stop immediately pending a public inquiry.

The work is being carried out at Knock Iveagh Cairn burial site.

Spokesperson on Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cathal Boylan said there are serious fears that the turbine will have a detrimental impact on the integrity of the historical site.

He said: "The expiration of the 28-day stop notice has allowed construction to begin but Sinn Féin are calling for all work to be suspended until a full public inquiry can be carried out to establish the full impact of the development.

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"This is needed due to flaws in the 2013 consultation process which did not engage with experts including archaeologists in the Historic Environment Division of the Department of Communities who have since come out in opposition to the plan to erect a mast on the site. Local residents were also not made fully aware of the consultation process at the time.

"Sinn Féin supports the expansion of renewable energy production that will allow us to cut our over reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more-sustainable, low carbon society. However, this cannot be at the expense of important heritage sites which have been protected for thousands of years."

(CD/MH)