Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has questioned the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for a breakdown of the numbers of spot checks carried out by NIEA at tyre companies in each of the last 3 years.
Mr Beggs said “It is important that we get a clear picture of what is going on in relation to tyre disposal in Northern Ireland. This will create a clear record of where used tyres are going and hopefully reduce the likelihood of tyres ending up on bonfires. This is an important issue as each tyre contains carcinogenic compounds which are cancerous.”
In response to the Ulster Unionist representative for East Antrim, the Minister said “The NIEA began specific inspections of tyre retailers in February of 2015 as one of the actions listed in the Used Tyre Action Plan. These inspections are prioritised on a risk basis and they are based on both intelligence and through discussions with local Councils on where they perceive the greatest risk of tyres ending up on bonfires.”
Roy Beggs concluded by stating; “In the Ministers response, it is outlined that Carrickfergus had 6 checks last year, but there has been zero so far in 2016. On the other hand, Larne had zero checks in 2015 but has had 10 so far in 2016. With this information in mind, I would welcome regular checks every year for waste tyre facilities in both Carrickfergus and Larne.”
