'Murphy passing the buck on Glenarm', - Neeson
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
EAST Antrim Alliance member Sean Neeson has accused Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy of 'passing the buck' in relation to water issues in Glenarm.
Speaking to the Larne Gazette this week, Mr Neeson explained: "I had written to the Minister several weeks ago to ask him about the moratorium on housing developments in Glenarm because of the lack of sewage facilities in the area. I did this in response to concerns by local residents about a planning application which had been lodged in the village.
“Regrettably, the Minister passed the buck and transferred my query to the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson, and I am very disappointed with the reply I have received.
“The planning application was the subject of an office planning meeting in Larne Council recently, but I am very concerned that the Department of Regional Development has made a major u-turn on the moratorium", Mr Neeson added.
The letter received by Mr Neeson read: "Planning Service has the decision making responsibility in relation to planning applications, however in order at an informed decision Planning Service consult with a number of relevant bodies.
In relation to the planning application to which you refer NI Water were consulted. As you are aware in their original response received on March 2007 they advised that the 'receiving wastewater treatment work/sewerage network may not have the spare capacity to accomodate a connection to sewer from this planning application'.
They further advised that 'Water Service will not approve a connection to the public sewer until sufficient capacity is available or programmed to be provided in the Capital Works Programme, subject to funding'.
At this time, they advised that a connection would not be permitted. However, in an e-mail from Water NI on August 29 2008 Planning Service to be satisfied that in relation to this particular aspect regarding sewer capacity the proposed development could proceed.
However, following your request for further information in relation to this latest posistion NI Water have explained that improvments to the exsisting that improvements to the exsisting Glenarm retention tank and public
