To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on air quality levels in County Antrim of the proposed energy park at Kilroot Power Station.

Dear Mr Blair

The Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate in NIEA has held preliminary discussions with the operator regarding the regulatory process and additional permitting requirements in relation to the proposed energy park at the Kilroot power station. Any new large combustion plant must obtain a new permit or a variation of an existing permit under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (NI) 2013 prior to operating, and the application must include an air quality impact assessment report.

Given that the proposals are for new technologies, they will be required to employ Best Available Techniques (BAT), therefore emission limits for any new plant will be much tighter, and will result in a reduction in air emissions from the installation. NIEA will carry out an assessment on any application received and will consult with all relevant statutory authorities.