Plans proposed by McQuillan Company to transform an existing waste transfer building into a thermal recovery facility have been approved.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council granted planning permission to the project which is valued at around £6 million. This project will include a 3MW combined heat and power plant alongside external modifications to the building. The new piece of infrastructure aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with waste recovery processes, while enhancing operational efficiency.

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Using thermal recovery technology, the facility aims to transform designated feedstock, currently approved on-site, into valuable resources. Moreover, the establishment of this new plant is set to include expenses and diminish the carbon footprint of affiliated businesses, which depend on the facility for waste disposal. Prominent clients encompass Almac Group, NI Health & Social Care Trusts and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said: "I welcome this £6m investment in our Borough, the project aligns with the Council’s commitment to sustainability by minimising environmental impact and optimising resource utilisation."

Vice Chairman of Antrim and Newtownabbey Planning Committee, Councillor Henry Cushinan added: "As one of Northern Ireland’s leading waste management companies, it is great to see McQuillan Companies investing further in its Antrim facility, this forward-thinking initiative highlights its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and technological innovation."