Infrastructure Minister Addresses Logistics UK NI Freight Council

Northen Ireland's logistics and transport sectors make a "valuable contribution" across the entire island, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has said.

Addressing the Logistics UK NI Freight Council Minister O'Dowd said: "The logistics and transport sector makes a valuable contribution across the island and I welcomed the opportunity to hear about the key issues affecting the industry and highlight the actions my Department is taking to address the challenges facing the industry to help it thrive, decarbonise and drive the economy forward and maximise export potential.

"My Department has a key role in supporting the logistics industry in a wide range of areas, from the work of DVA in regulating vehicles, enforcement and driver testing, to the work of Roads in taking forward large scale infrastructure developments.

"This is a resilient industry which played a vital role in keeping the supply chains open during the pandemic ensuring a continued flow of goods into and out of the north and this is now playing a key part in our economic recovery."

Disposal Event Organised For Time-Expired Marine Distress Flares

The PSNI and Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland have announced a "disposal event" for boat owners bring any time-expired marine distress flares.

The risk of keeping old marine distress flares is that these may not work effectively when you need them most in an emergency or could misfire causing injury.

As the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) voluntary flare disposal service ceased in December 2022, private individuals are now required to either return them to the original supplier for disposal (if available) or use a third-party commercial disposal service.

As there is no commercial disposal service currently available in Northern Ireland for marine distress flare disposal and, until a long-term solution is found, a Marine Distress Flare Disposal event, initiated by the RYA NI and supported by the PSNI will be held on Saturday, 5th June, during Police Marine Safety Week. This runs between 10am-3pm at three locations - Bangor Marina, Lough Erne Yacht Club and Portrush Yacht Club.

Economy Minister Launches Call For Evidence On Biomethane Proposald

Biomethane could provide a locally produced, sustainable and secure renewable energy source, Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey has said.

The Minister was speaking at the Balmoral show as she launched a three-month Call for Evidence seeking information and views from key stakeholders on developing a sustainable biomethane sector.

A renewable gas, biomethane is the purified version of biogas produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as silage, manure and brown bin waste. Recent research indicates that this region has significant biomethane potential due its large agricultural sector.

Minister Hargey said: "Moving away from fossil fuels is vital in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy. Due to our large agricultural sector, we have the potential to use biomethane to support our journey towards net zero. Biomethane can not only provide a locally produced, sustainable source of energy but also enhance our energy security of supply.

"This Call for Evidence seeks C the insight of key stakeholders into how biomethane production should develop locally. Co-design is central to the Economic Vision, and all responses received will contribute towards the establishment of an effective policy framework to support the development of a sustainable biomethane sector."

Turning to how biomethane can boost the rural economy, Ms Hargey continued:

"The first injection of locally produced biomethane into the gas network last November was a welcome development which we must build upon. Implementing green technologies is often presented as a cost, but the development of the biomethane sector here presents significant economic opportunities for the rural economy in the creation of good jobs, raising productivity and addressing historical regional imbalances."

To conclude, the Minister acknowledged the collaborative support received from Department of Agriculture, Environment andd Rural Affairs: "I thank Minister Muir and his officials for their support in the development of biomethane policy and management of feedstocks. Our Departments are closely linked on the development of a sustainable biomethane sector and we will continue to work collaboratively to reduce carbon emissions."