Inquiry into sand dredging in Lough Neagh SPA opens in Belfast

The Inquiry opened today before the Planning Appeals Commission in Belfast into the historic and future extraction of sand from the bed of Lough Neagh (enforcement notices and a called-in planning application) which has not obtained planning permission over the last  80 years and which is now a SPA, Ramsar Site and ASSI. Habitats and EIA issues are at the forefront as is the issue of retrospective permissions. Objections are being made by Friends of the Earth, RSPB and others. David Elvin QC is appearing as senior counsel for the Department of Infrastructure.