Lisburn waste recycling plant gets planning permission

Image caption, The plant will be built on the former Burnhouse factory on Moira Road

A waste recycling facility in Lisburn, County Antrim, has been granted planning permission by Stormont's Environment Minister, Alex Attwood.

The energy from waste gasification plant will be built at the site of the former Burnhouse factory on Moira Road.

It will have the ability to convert 80,000 tonnes of mixed waste into electricity and heat each year.

Mr Attwood said he backed energy from waste as a way of meeting EU targets and generating sustainable energy.

The minister added: "This facility will provide a boost for the Lisburn area creating construction jobs in the short term and permanent skilled jobs once completed.

"I am a firm supporter of energy from waste opportunities and of alternative, more environmentally sustainable energy plans.

"This facility will deal with our waste, prevent landfill and create renewable energy."

Lorries

The plant will operate by heating waste to produce a gas that is used to generate steam.

The steam then drives a turbine that creates electricity.

A company report envisaged 30 direct jobs and 30 indirect jobs in support services.

The plant will operate 24 hours a day, with waste deliveries taking place between 07:00 and 19:00 on weekdays.

It is envisaged 30 lorries a day will use the facility.