Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CALLS FOR ACTION ON COSTS

Published: 20 April, 2009

The Committee for the Environment is so concerned about the number of fee increases being proposed by the Department of the Environment that it has called on the Department to demonstrate what positive action it is taking to minimise costs to businesses.

Vice Chairperson of the Committee Sinn Féin's Cathal Boylan said, "Over the last number of weeks the Environment Committee has been asked to consider a range of fee increase proposals throughout various divisions of the Department. We are aware the Department of Environment, like every other Department, faces a continuous struggle for resources, but we will not accept that this can be solved simply by passing on costs to customers, consumers and businesses. We are facing an economic downturn and must be aware that the general public cannot afford unnecessary increases. We have therefore called for the Department to clarify what positive and realistic action it is taking to reduce its financial impact before we will consider further increases put before the Committee."

The Environment Committee recently compared the Department's approach with that of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency which is aiming to help the economy whilst also protecting the environment and the health and well being of communities across Scotland.

The Scottish example includes the waiving of certain fees and keeping charge increases below the retail price index as well as providing business advice, streamlining licensing processes and improving coordination in the planning system.

"The Committee wishes the Department to demonstrate a constructive, sustainable approach to supporting economic activity and look to initiatives like Scotland's for examples of how it might be achieved. It is essential that all Departments recognise their part in helping the North through this present economic downturn", concluded the Newry Armagh Sinn Féin MLA.