Inquiry call on power plant plans

Friends of the Earth believes Kilroot power station should be closed

An inquiry must be held into why a Carrickfergus power station was granted permission to build a desulphurisation plant, an environmental group has said.

Friends of the Earth claims the plant at Kilroot power station will lead to more carbon dioxide pollution.

Group spokesman John Woods said if it is built, Kilroot will be able to continue operating as one of the UK's five most inefficient power stations.

However, power station owners, AES, say it will benefit the environment.

Shane Lynch, AES Kilroot managing director, said the new plant would reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 75% and also bring the facility into line with recent EU environmental requirements.

But Friends of the Earth said the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment should hold an inquiry into the implications of the plans.

"If Kilroot installs this new technology... it will continue to contribute 20% of our carbon dioxide emissions, ensuring that Northern Ireland will be the part of the UK that does least to tackle climate change," Mr Woods said.

"Kilroot may have cleared the technical hurdle of planning permission but the wider issues of energy policy and climate change have yet to be properly taken into account."