Alliance slams Robinson over scrapping of green laws

2.18.00pm GMT Fri 11th Jan 2008

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Alan Lawther has blasted the decision by Finance Minister Peter Robinson to scrap plans to force developers to build environmentally friendly homes. Alan Lawther said that the dumping of the much anticipated policy, which was due to be introduced in April shows that the Executive is not serious about green issues.

Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: "The scrapping of these plans show that the Executive has little intention of protecting the environment. This move has dealt a devastating blow to the good efforts of local environmental groups and campaigners, but we will not take this lying down.

"Local people will be extremely disappointed at the Finance Minister's move to stop this vital legislation. This u-turn will hinder efforts to cut the carbon footprint and is a very short-sighted move.

"We need to make developers build environmentally friendly homes if we are going to address climate change. This move is extremely depressing news and I call on the Executive to examine this decision.

"Alliance as the main opposition party will keep the pressure on to have these laws introduced. We will hold the Executive to account and push the to protect the environment."

ENDS