Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has voted against a motion calling for the Local Government pension scheme to be divested from fossil fuel companies.

Both Newry, Mourne and Down and Fermanagh and Omagh Councils have called on the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) to amend the scheme.

At the council meeting, the DUP argued there was no Climate Emergency, rejecting the motion. This was followed by UUP councillors also refusing to back the proposal.

Alliance representative in the ABC district, Cllr Eóin Tennyson put forward the scheme to Council and expressed disappointment at the response.

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Speaking after the vote, Cllr Tennyson said: "The Climate Emergency is a real and ever-present danger which requires action at a national, regional and local level. 

"Since 1998, just 100 fossil fuel companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and they continue to search for even more fossil fuel reserves. This is despite the fact that if we are to meet the terms of the Paris Climate Agreement and keep warming below 2°C, we must start radically reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

"Divestment is an effective strategy in that it encourages companies to move their business models towards less harmful ventures. Moreover, it is a more sensible financial management strategy in the long-term given the inherent risks facing the fossil fuel industry."

Depsite the response, Cllr Tennyson issued assurance Alliance will continue to call for "meaningful action" to protect the environment.

(CM/JG)