Author: DavidReid

Alliance spokesperson on the environment, John Blair MLA, has welcomed a statement from the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to increase forest cover significantly over the next decade.

John Blair said: “I welcome the commitment from Minister Poots to the new afforestation programme, Forests for our Future, which will see 18 million trees planted by 2030. We are in a climate emergency and this programme will go a little way to starting to reverse the damage we have done to our environment. Northern Ireland only has 8% forest cover, so we are far behind the rest of the UK and Europe.

“While details about the new Forests for our Future programme have still to be announced, I would suggest that it needs to be habitat proofed, to maximise opportunities for new woodlands and native broadleaf species while encouraging natural biodiversity. Increasing forest cover makes an invaluable contribution to removing carbon from the atmosphere, but it will also be important to protect wetlands that act as carbon sinks and are a vital part of our environment.

“I also welcome the commitment to work with all Executive colleagues and other public bodies, such as councils, to identify suitable planting sites. Land acquisition is much more expensive than purchasing trees, so it makes sense to plant on land that is already in public ownership. Additionally, the knowledge and input of voluntary and community groups can help to create local buy-in and add to the success of new planting programmes.”

Alliance Councillor Billy Webb has condemned those behind a security alert in Newtownabbey.

A viable device was made safe after being found in the Felden development off the Mill Road. Residents were evacuated to the Valley Leisure Centre during the incident yesterday (Saturday).

“This sort of incident is carried out by people who represent absolutely nobody,” said Macedon Councillor Mr Webb.

“They have no regard for the lives of anyone in the community and I appeal to them to stop. My thanks go to the police and other agencies for dealing with this situation in what is close to a major shopping area on a busy Saturday afternoon.

“I urge anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”

Alliance MLA John Blair has said that service animals need full legal protection.

Mr Blair was speaking in support of an Assembly Motion to recognise the invaluable work of service animals used by the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Prison Service. The Motion called for legislation making it an offence to harm or abuse an animal in the line of duty.

John Blair said: “While there is legislation in place to protect animals from abuse, it does not specifically deal with those animals which are trained and deployed to protect the public.

“These public service animals, which are usually dogs, are an essential part of public service and ensuring safety of people. Dogs play a crucial part in drugs and arms searches and regularly assist in public order control. It is perfectly reasonable that we should expect service animals, and the role they play for our benefit, to be recognised and protected in law.

“There is widespread support in the Assembly for this Motion to make it an offence to harm service animals. I would hope there is the same level of support and sympathy for animals when we come to debate other forms of animal cruelty, such as fox hunting or hunting with dogs simply for the kill.”

Alliance Councillor Billy Webb has welcomed Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s setting of its residential rates to 1.99 per cent, the lowest increase across Northern Ireland since the creation of the ‘super councils’ in 2015.

Councillor Webb was speaking after the Council announced the increase, which comes into effect on April 1.

“I am pleased Antrim and Newtownabbey has seen the smallest increase since the merger of the Councils, and still below the rate of inflation,” he said.

“My thanks go to Council officers, my colleagues and Councillors from other parties, who were able to come together to face the challenges in front of us and strike this rate, in addition to a reduction in the business rate.

“It means ratepayers in the Borough will benefit, seeing investment in a number of projects across the area and value for money from Council services, as well as being able to balance household budgets and maintain their standard of living.

“Alliance will continue to push for further efficiencies across the Council to ensure best value for ratepayers’ money.”