Lo says that Giant’s Causeway environment must be protected

Following the announcement that Runkerry golf resort has been given planning permission, Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that while we need to make planning decisions that will boost Northern Ireland’s economy and tourism, we however need to protect the Giant’s Causeway environment and world heritage site.

Anna Lo MLA said: “The Minister has decided that this golf resort is to be given the go ahead, however what is essential is that the environment around the Giant’s Causeway and its world heritage site status is protected.

“When making planning decisions I would urge the Environment Department to ensure that their environmental impact is never ignored. This golf resort is right on the door step of the Giant’s Causeway, our only UN world heritage site. And with all the extra development of the hotel, 75 separate guest lodges and other buildings, I would be concerned that this might undermine the Giant’s Causeway UNESCO world heritage site status.

“The Minister has stated that he will contact UNESCO shortly to reassure them over the Giant’s Causeway world heritage site status. Should the Minister not have done this before he gave the go ahead for this planning application?

“Nobody can deny that our planning system is too slow and needs improved but we should not just be taking planning decisions lightly. I want a planning system where the right balance is made between environmental impact and economic potential.”

ENDS