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Monthly Archives: February 2018
Allister warns DUP against ‘feeding the crocodile’ in Sinn Fein deal
TUV leader Jim Allister has warned the DUP of the dangers of striking an agreement with Sinn Fein which would lead to a Stormont “built on sand”. He said Sinn Fein’s leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill made it clear at the weekend they will only return to power-sharing on their own terms and therefore urged Arlene Foster’s party not to make any “further concessions”. Roy Beggs said any deal should not divert limited funds away from the health service The veteran politician said: “With the boast from Sinn Fein on Saturday that they would only return to the Stormont Executive ‘on their terms’, the dangers in the DUP’s desperation to get back into office in a failed system are obvious. “There is no justification whatever for any further concessions. Irish is already more than generously feted. Any legislation to promote it further – whether it is called an … Continue reading
Beggs writes to Utility Regulator about extended outage at Coolkeeragh Power Station
With the news that the 402MW Coolkeeragh Power Station was out of operation for longer than expected last week, Roy Beggs MLA, who has expressed concern about the security of the NI electricity supply, has written to the Utility Regulator and the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) questioning their assessment that Kilroot’s main units were not needed to maintain Northern Ireland’s electricity supply. He has requested that their technical assessment on the security of supply should be published and open to scrutiny. Roy Beggs MLA said: “Northern Ireland is a small electricity grid and as such is very vulnerable during planned and unplanned plant maintenances or outages that could cause blackouts and I have been asking for a re-think over the assessment that Kilroot was not needed. “I am aware that a recent forced outage at Coolkeeragh Power Station occurred when the plant failed to come back as planned … Continue reading
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Beggs expresses concern for the security of electricity supply in NI
Roy Beggs MLA has expressed his concern for the security of electricity supply in NI following the news that the two main Kilroot Power Station electricity generation turbines which can generate some 514MW of electricity have been unsuccessful in the bidding process for electricity generation. Roy Beggs MLA said, “When I examine the Eridgrid 2017-2026 Electricity Capacity statement and then learn of the outcome of the bidding process I have significant concerns about our security of Electricity Supply going forward. I have recently met with the Utility Regulator and the Department of the Economy to express my concerns and again call on SONI and the Utility Regulator reassess this outcome that would leave a question mark over the security of NI electricity supply. “With the highest electricity demand typically occurring on a calm, frosty winters day when the significant renewable wind generation will be unavailable, a major fault on the … Continue reading
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Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly to be reported to PPS over car clamp removal
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly BY REBECCA BLACK February 6 2018 Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly has said he regrets removing a clamp from his car with bolt cutters in what he described as an “on-the-spot decision”. Video footage of the North Belfast representative cutting off the clamp outside a gym in Belfast city centre went viral over the weekend. Mr Kelly, who is Sinn Fein’s policing spokesman, spoke out about the incident for the first time yesterday, revealing his regret and that he has contacted the company that clamped his car. Cash with the clampers showed his contempt for the law Gerry Kelly: I don’t keep bolt cutters in the boot He also said he has paid his fine. Mr Kelly had parked in a yellow box in Exchange Street, before attending a nearby gym on Friday morning. Printed on the yellow box was “no parking”, while there were … Continue reading
Urgent assurances needed on the security of NI’s energy supply – Beggs
Roy Beggs MLA has expressed concern following the news that Kilroot Power Station faces closure. Roy Beggs MLA said: “This is a massive blow to the hundreds of staff and subcontractors who work at Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations. While the power station did face closure in 2023, this news will shock the many workers who are now facing uncertain futures. I think there needs be a rethink from SONI even at this late stage and I will be meeting with the Unions. “This news will raise concerns about the security of Northern Ireland’s energy supply. While the North/South Interconnector has received planning permission in recent days, it will be 3 years before it will become operational. This, alongside the possibility for unanticipated delays, means we need urgent assurances about continuing supply. “I recently met with the Utility Regulator and Department of the Economy to express concerns I had and … Continue reading
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