Nichola Mallon gives go ahead for dredging of sand from Lough Neagh

The practice has been going on at the lough for years without planning permission.

The minister said careful consideration had been given to the Planning Appeals Commission’s (PAC) report.

The proposal is located in the north west corner of the Lough which is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar site and Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

She said: “This approval was a finely balanced decision where I had to weigh up the various benefits with the potential for harm to the designation features of the lough.

“I carefully considered both the findings of the independent Public Inquiry and further representations received from interested parties alongside the recommendations of my planning officials. The PAC report also recommended that planning permission should be granted.

“I am an advocate for protection of the environment, and particularly a special one such as Lough Neagh. Taking account of all of the comments made, I have come to the view that there will be no adverse effect caused by the development on the lough in terms of its integrity or other aspects of its designated status provided that suitable conditions and agreed measures are put in place.”

Environmental campaigners have long opposed the dredging of sand from Lough Neagh.