Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 September 2003. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Thursday, 11 September 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will set up a public inquiry into the proposed superdump landfill site at Mallusk.

Answer: Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up a public inquiry into the proposed superdump landfill site at Mallusk. [127399] Angela Smith: The planning application for the proposed landfill site at Cottonmount, Mallusk was received by the Department of the Environment's Planning Service in February 1995. Whilst a Public Inquiry was considered it was decided that there was sufficient information to reach a decision without the need for an Inquiry. In June 1997 Planning Service proceeded by way of Notice of Opinion in accordance with Article 31(3) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) 1991. Having taken this route the only options now available to Planning Service are either to issue a Notice of Opinion to Approve or a Notice of Opinion to Refuse. The only available provision for a Public Hearing would be if the applicant appeals either a future Notice of Opinion to Approve or a Notice of Opinion to Refuse.

Secondary information