Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir admits 'we need to improve planning performance'

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan had asked the Minister ‘what action he is taking to address persistent planning and permitting delays in the NIEA for farmers and agribusinesses seeking to invest in environmentally beneficial projects, including biomethane production, and how he will ensure faster, cleaner and more proportionate decision-making so that those trying to transition are supported rather than stalled’.

Responding, the Minister said ‘there is a planning performance plan that we are seeking to progress’ and admitted ‘It is important that we do that, because we need to turn around those responses quicker’.

However, he countered ‘there is also an obligation on those submitting those applications to ensure that they submit all the information at the beginning so that we are not going back looking for further clarification’.

‘In addition, we need resources for this, and that is where the draft Budget is a challenge for me and my Department, because it requires individuals to consider these,’ added the Minister.

‘However, I recognise these issues, and that is why we are focused on improving performance’.

Mr McCrossan further asked the Minister if he accepted ‘that delay is not neutral and that every stalled permit or planning application represents lost investment, lost emission reduction and lost confidence among farmers?’

Mr Muir said: ‘Mr Muir: We need to improve planning performance so that people can get decisions on their applications swiftly.

‘The NIEA is just one of a number of statutory consultees.

‘There is also a wider issue with our planning system in Northern Ireland, and we want to make sure that we are turning decisions around much quicker.

‘I recognise my role in that, and we are focused on delivering the improvements that are needed’.