McKinty enraged as Minister sidelines local representatives

Larne Deputy Mayor Mark McKinty has described himself as "enraged" following today's announcement that Environment Minister Alex Attwood has given the go-ahead for a £400m undersea natural gas storage facility a mile beneath Larne Lough.

Speaking after the announcement, the Ulster Unionist Larne Lough Councillor detailed his anger: "Today's announcement by Minister Attwood has shown his utter contempt for democracy and community engagement by sidelining locally-elected political and community representatives. There has been a shortage of proper community engagement and consultation with local people, and this announcement is sudden and unexpected."

The development in County Antrim will allow for storage for 500 million cubic metres of natural gas in caverns a mile under the lough. The scheme would create the first energy bank of its kind on the island of Ireland. Imported natural gas would be stored in seven caverns or caves.

"Whilst I can understand the potential benefits of such a project, I believe this announcement is premature" said Cllr McKinty. "There are concerns within the community which need addressed, and the Department of Environment ignoring these concerns is totally disrespectful".

The underground storage areas, about 1 mile underground, are created by removing salt in the rock strata with equipment similar to high pressure water jets. Environmentalists have already voiced their objections to the process, claiming it could have a serious impact on marine and bird life.

Cllr McKinty also shares local environmental concerns: "One of my grave concerns about this project is that waste brine will be deposited into the lough or the North Channel, severely upsetting the local ecosystem, ireeparably damaging the local wildlife and environment. Unfortunately, the local environment has not received the protection of the Environment Minister."

Continuing, Cllr McKinty challenged the Minister: "I would ask Alex Attwood how this project ties in with his decision in July to designate the sea and seabed around the Maidens as one of two new marine Special Areas of Conservation in Northern Ireland".

More than 350 complaints have been made to planners. Nigel Hamilton, from Marine Conservation Northern Ireland, is among those who have objected to the project. He said local residents were concerned about the expulsion of brine from the underwater caverns, and that the construction phase would bring "a considerable amount of high, heavy vehicle traffic movements on to the island on what are particularly narrow roads, unsuitable for this type of traffic movement, over a three to four year period".

"As with projects of this scale, there are many on both sides of the debate. However, this project currently lacks the community confidence to proceed. How can Mr Attwood expect the local community to be happy with his decision when representatives were not even aware of it, never mind being invited to the press conference. The Executive has a duty to consult with local representatives at all levels; I will certainly be making my voice heard to the Department and the Minister on behalf of those local residents whom I represent, those who will be directly affected by today's announcement, and who, to date, have been largely ignored" the Deputy Mayor concluded.




Notes:

The application has been made by Islandmagee Storage Limited, a joint venture between InfraStrata and Mutual Energy, the company which owns the Moyle Electricity interconnector, which links the power grid in Northern Ireland with Scotland's.

Before any work begins, the company behind the project will have to raise the necessary capital, which is thought to be in the region of £400m. A regulated all-Ireland gas market would also be required. If built, the project could hold enough gas to power all the energy requirements on the island of Ireland for six weeks.
The storage scheme would act as an energy bank for the gas industry with gas sold on to industrial users.
Potential customers would include companies like Airtricity's parent company, SSE, Bord Gais and other large scale industrial users.

Ninety per cent of Northern Ireland's gas is supplied by an underwater pipeline from Scotland, which comes ashore at Ballylumford power station at Islandmagee. The planned storage plant is near the power station.

760 jobs to go at FG Wilson

Larne Deputy Mayor Cllr MarkMcKinty has called Thursday’s announcement by FG Wilson to cut 760 jobs "a massive blow to the local economy, and the families and communities involved, and demonstrates the challenges which lie ahead for all businesses, and the importance of keeping Northern Ireland competitive". 

After speaking to a group of employees at lunch time he confirmed “It is now clear 760 jobs are being cut. I know many of the families personally who will be affected by this announcement, some of whom have been affected by earlier job cuts this year also. The sad reality is that not just FG Wilson employees will be affected.  There are many hundreds of down-stream jobs in subsidiary industries exposed to the knock-on effects, and we as a community will feel this directly in non-related industries and professions, such as cleaners, taxi-drivers, logistical services and transport companies”.

“Northern Ireland has long been recognised as a good place for investment, particularly where the jobs require skilled workers and high-tech workers. We have a highly-educated workforce, with excellent broadband and transport supports. However, the three factors which have conspired, leading to this jobs announcement are no doubt a declining sales base and location of customers for FG Wilson, the ever increasing and crippling fuel, energy and transport costs businesses have to deal with, and certainly the failure of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to deliver on the 12.5% corporation tax promise for Northern Ireland businesses” stated Cllr McKinty.

FG have facilities here in Larne, and also in Belfast, Springvale and Monkstown.

He continued, “It is vital now that our focus turns to the FG Wilson employees and how best to secure employment for those who seek it. All of the State agencies who have a role to play here must be available to the employees, making every effort to assist them inidentifying alternative employment down the line. But efforts must not stop there. It is critical, if we are to address the spiraling unemployment news from Northern Ireland, that the Executive and Assembly bring forward urgent proposals to encourage the establishment of an R&D strategy for big businesses to come here, to invest in Northern Ireland.We also need to welcome any of these high-potential start-up companies that are looking for suitable locations, particularly businesses engaged in Pharmaceuticals, Software Development, Alternative Energy and the Agri-food sector. In addition to attracting foreign investment, we must also remember we have talent and ability, ideas and ambition among our own people, especially the wealth of skills and qualifications shown by our young people. We need a strategy to support indigenous innovative new start up businesses, both regionally and locally”.

"FG Wilson began as a family-run business, and developed strong community links with East Antrim and Northern Ireland over decades, and a workforce which has devoted many millions of hours in ensuring corporate success both at home and internationally." Cllr McKinty added. “This news of job losses will dominate the local economic and political landscape for weeks and months ahead. The legacy of these jobs losses could last for decades. It saddens me therefore that the company was not more open about the potential risks and threats which faced their businesses globally, and suggest to them now would be a good time to sit down with all stakeholders and explore if there is a way forward which can bedeveloped to ensure remaining jobs are secured long term.”

"The Ulster Unionist party is commited to the economy and creation of jobs, and I will continue to work with my party colleagues to ensure that steps are taken to mitigate these job losses, and that further similar announcements are avoided. I will make myself available to individuals, families and communities affected by today's announcement, and will do everything within my ability to aid return to employment."

World Suicide Awareness Day 2012

Larne's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mark McKinty, has joined thousands of people around the world in marking World Suicide Prevention Day. The Ulster Unionist representative brought forward a motion to the Public Services meeting of Larne Borough Council on Monday 10th September 2012.

The motion read as follows: "That this Council marks World Suicide Prevention day, Monday 10th September 2012 and, in doing so, commends the endeavours of those local and regional groups who, together with their national and international partners, raise awareness of depression, mental illness and difficult times through their campaign , providing members of the community with essential help, support and solutions to prevent suicide".

Candle to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2012

Speaking in support of the motion, Cllr McKinty highlighted the extent of the problem: "This is an issue which affects many families, and today we have the opportunity to remember how much of a major public health issue suicide has become: suicide is now the biggest cause of death for males under 35" he said.

"Events have been taking place all over the world to raise awareness of this issue, including events in Belfast and one at Broadway, Larne, as we speak." he continued. "We have the opportunity now to think about those who have committed suicide, have been hospitalised attempting suicide, or those comtemplating taking their own life. We also think of those families and friends affected by the loss of a loved one, left with a void in their home and endless questions".

The motion, seconded by Cllr. James McKeown, received unanimous support from the Councillors present, all agreeing that raising awareness of suicide prevention, and removing the stigma from the topic, was of paramount importance, especially in the local area.

Immediately following the motion, the committee received a presentation from the Northern Trust on the Northern Area Suicide Prevention Community Response Plan. During questions from Councillors, Cllr McKinty stressed that the Health Trusts must work in conjunction with local authorities, existing charitable and voluntary organisations, and all stakeholder groups to ensure an effective joint-up and strategic approach to suicide prevention.

"I thank my fellow councillors for their support this evening, and I wish to record my thanks and encouragement to local groups, such as PIPS and PAL, who are doing fantastic work on the ground with individuals and families affected by suicide" said Cllr McKinty speaking after the meeting. "It is important that all groups work together to raise awareness, and I think that the government should further develop a strategy for suicide prevention.  Whether facing financial problems, exam pressures, family issues or whatever difficulties, there are people and organisations to help overcome obstacles and help" he concluded.

Larne Line improvements a "welcome investment"

News that work is to commence on parts of the Larne Line has been called a "welcome investment" by Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty. "Following the receipt of 20 new Class 4000 trains, and increased service across the network, I am pleased to note that Translink are investing in the Larne to Belfast railway line" he said.

"In addition to the more comfortable journey with the new trains, punctuality for the Larne Line is generally around 98%. The passenger experience will be enhanced with the addition of WiFi to some services, including the 256 from Larne."

Work will include:

• Engineering work to replace the last 5 miles of jointed track with continuous welded rail between Whitehead and Larne, providing smoother travel. This work is being carried out at night and is due for completion next summer.
• Work at Trooperslane and Jordanstown level crossings to reduce down time and impact on local traffic.
• Platform extension at Larne Harbour (following successful extensions at Whiteabbey, Jordanstown, Carrickfergus, Downshire, Whitehead and Larne Town). The longer platforms will provide for 4 x 3 car trains and increased capacity on each service - 20% more capacity across the network.

"Whilst most work can be carried out overnight or at off-peak times, Larne Harbour station will be closed from 6th October to 4th November. The Larne Line will also close temporarily from Larne Harbour to Whitehead on 6th and 7th October. A subsitution bus service will run during this weekend closure."

"I have encouraged Translink to ensure that disruption to passengers is minimal, and that work is completed in order that normal service may resume as soon as possible, especially with the recently commenced work on the A8 and the imminent A2 project".

Cllr McKinty, who is also a member of the Larne Line Passenger lobby group, and involved in the recent "Use it or lose it" campaign when services on the Larne Line were potentially under threat, has asserted his commitment to "continue lobbying for services on the Larne Line, including improvements to the Dargan Bridge, (allowing more flexibility with timetabling) and an integrated bus and rail transport hub in Larne", he concluded.

All Saints Craigyhill 50th Anniversary Flower Festival

Last weekend saw the anniversary of All Saints Church of Ireland, Craigyhill. 50 years of witness and service were marked with a 3-day flower festival. There were some stunning flower arrangements, each representing a Saint from the Bible or from Church history.

Mary, mother of Jesus, & Mary Magdalene

I had the pleasure of attending the evening service on Sunday 2nd September, along with the Bishop of Connor, the Right Rev Alan Abernethy, who provided the sermon. The beauty of the flowers was accompanied very aptly by some lovely music by the Larne Concert Choir. Other visitors over the weekend included the Archbishop of Armagh, Most Rev Alan Harper, and the Archdeacon of Dalriada, Ven Stephen Ford.

Right Rev. Alan Abernethy, Bishop of Conor

 Aside from the music and flowers, I was very interested by some of the conversations I had with a number of the guests. Rev Robert Johns was curate when the Church opened in 1962, and Dean Brian Moller was the curate from 1964 - both had very interesting tales to tell of their time in Craigyhill. I also learnt that the congregation previously held their services in one of the cemetery's chapels.

The musical treats continued as I was even treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday by the ladies in the kitchen!

All Saints has done a lot of hard work in the local area, and continues to be an important part of the community. I would like to congratulate the organising committee for their efforts and trust they are very pleased with this weekend's success. I would also like to thank Rev Roger Thompson for his very kind invitation to attend the event, and wish him and his congregation God's blessing as they look forward to the years ahead!

Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark McKinty with Rev Roger Thompson

Developing the "east-west connection"

With Billy Thompson at the 20th Anniversary of the Broadisland Gathering

Larne Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark McKinty has renewed calls for a strategic approach to the development of Ulster Scots cultural heritage in the local area.

Speaking after the 20th anniversary of the Broadisland Gathering, he was positive about the "East-West connection". "Larne is not only geographically very close to Scotland, but intrinsically linked both culturally and historically" he said. "Ballycarry welcomed Scots who, almost 400 years ago, established the first Presbyterian congregation in Ireland. This local area also boasts many connections to the USA, including direct links to various American presidents".

"The east-west connection is vitally important and has great potential to stimulate the local economy through cultural tourism. The Broadisland Gathering hosted the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra as participants in the festival, a party of over 30 people who stayed for the weekend in the Borough." Continuing to highlight the benefits of Ulster Scots tourism, Cllr McKinty noted "a wide range of national and international visitors, including 6 guests from Manchester, and others from America, Spain, Germany and Israel, to name but a few, all staying a minimum of 1 night in the local area."

"I must congratulate the organisers of the Gathering who, for 20 years have seen the potential of developing close personal links with Scotland. There is also the very successful Cairncastle Ulster Scots festival who also welcome an array of guests".

Presenting the Best Band in Parade trophy to John Fittis of Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band

"I reaffirm my commitment to developing a strategy which will allow further development of these links which will not only benefit the local economy, but will provide opportunities for local community groups, churches, and other organisations in the area, and I look forward to enhancing the very successful work carried out to date".

Sinn Féin sensationalists playing to the gallery

Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has accused local Sinn Féin representatives of being "sensationalists" and "playing to the gallery" following comments made in the run-up to last week's Royal Black parade in Carnlough.

This comes following last week's statements by Sinn Féin Larne Councillor James McKeown and Oliver McMullan MLA suggesting "tensions" were high in the area. "These comments are what cause tensions to be raised," stated Cllr McKinty, "given that RBP 377, as any other Preceptory, have a long history connected to the local area, and are keen to hold a peaceful parade".

"SF's statements are playing to the gallery. RBP 377 draws members from the area, and are sensitive to local issues. Cllr McKeown and Mr McMullan are seeking to create a problem here so they can get publicity off the back of it."

 "Clutching at straws, SF have now suggested the choice of band is wrong. The local bands were unavailable to parade, so another local band agreed to help the lodge. This happens all over the country, so I can't understand why Cllr McKeown would be so "shocked"!"

"As was to be expected, the parade passed off peacfully, with the band and Sir Knights parading with dignity and respect, despite obviously concerted attempts by a small number of protesters to provoke a reaction" said Cllr. McKinty. "A fantastic day was had in Larne: the sun was shining, the streets were lined 5 or 6 people deep at times, and I congratulate the organisers for their sterling work."