Archived press release

Europe goes to court over Northern Ireland's sewage failures

15 July 2005

Friends of the Earth today described as "very good news" the announcement by the European Commission that it will take court action against Northern Ireland for it's failure to provide adequate sewage treatment in 9 towns and cities [1].

Commenting, John Woods, Northern Ireland Director of Friends of the Earth, said it was good news for people and the environment.

"The European Commission has made the right decision in referring this case to the court of Justice but we're appalled that it has come to this. For the last two and a half years Ministers and senior civil servants have ignored a growing chorus of voices that began with Friends of the Earth [2] and should end with this referral to the court. Rather than try to limit pollution, they have knowingly exacerbated the situation and now face the very likely prospect of hefty fines."

The Commission added that the sewage pollution situation was being exacerbated by the policy of allowing housing development in areas with poor infrastructure [3]. A legal opinion obtained for Friends of the Earth from Robert McCracken QC in 2004 branded this planning policy as 'unlawful' [4].

John Woods continued:

"Surely Government must now admit it is in the wrong and end this disgraceful policy. The only responsible course is to put a freeze on all new development in the affected areas and hold a full and open review of the situation. What part of 'unlawful' does the DOE not understand?"

Notes

[1] (back) The case refers to Bangor, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Donaghadee, Londonderry, Larne, Newtownabbey, Omagh and Portrush.

[2] (back) See this press release for more details.

[3] (back) See this press release for more details.

[4] (back) See this press release for more details.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust