Concerns Raised Over Large-Scale Pig Farms

Environmentalists in Northern Ireland have launched a campaign objecting to large-scale pig farms.

Friends of the Earth, a large campaigning community, is worried about the potential emissions from such farms and the creation of large amounts of slurry.

Some of the proposed developments in the 'Going for Growth' strategy, which are either in the planning stages or under construction, have the potential to produce between 60,000 and 70,000 pigs a year.

The developers say the pigs will be in high-welfare units with mitigation measures to reduce their impact on the environment.

The environmental organisation launched a film over the weekend that sets out it's opposition, and has called for people to have the right to lodge their objections, known as a third party right of appeal.

The documentary raises concerns about a 2013 Stormont Executive plan to increase agricultural production.

Several MLAs have voiced their support for the developments, including the SDLP's John Dallat and Alliance's Stewart Dickson.

Former health and environment minister Edwin Poots said the strategy would sustain agriculture in Northern Ireland and help it to remain competitive.

The film disagrees, however, and claims that the 'Going for Growth' strategy encourages a move towards more intensive systems of production with a much bigger impact on air and water quality.



(JG/MH)