Planning Office Receives 37,000 Letters of Objection
By the end of April 2003, the Planning Office in Belfast had received 37,500 letters of objection to Felix Resources' proposed lignite mine development - making it the largest ever planning objection in Northern Ireland.
In 2004, Felix was advised of the Northern Ireland Government's decision to suspend the issuing of prospecting licences, hence the Ballymoney prospecting licence was not renewed.
Objections focused primarily on two main areas of concern: the health and environmental impacts. There were also economic concerns. The low grade nature of Lignite as a fuel for electricity generation, and the high levels of emissions exposes the power produced to price fluctuation. The proposed lignite mine and adjacent power station would offer no compensating social advantages such as increased employment and investment for the area. The lignite deposit lies beneath prime agricultural land, currently supporting over 80 farms and 300 jobs.
Lignite mine construction involves specialised engineering and the plan for Ballymoney would more than likely require migrant workers, as workers encampments were included in the proposal. Then, once operational, a mine is almost fully automated, with often less than 20 employees needed. The loss of jobs in farming, small business and tourism would be devastating for the area.
“The message from all quarters in Northern Ireland is clear - the proposed open cast mine and power station in County Antrim must NOT go ahead”
Joe Patton, Chairman, CBE. Just Say No To Lignite Campaign
Members of The Just Say No To Lignite campaign deliver some of the 37,500 letters of objection received by the Northern Ireland Planning Office in Belfast.
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