Research Papers 2013

• Carrier Bags Bill (2013)

  Reference: 81/13 - Date: 12/06/2013

  The following paper gives an overview of the Carrier Bags Bill as introduced to the Assembly on the 3rd June 2013. It considers the steps used to increase the Carrier Bags levy to 5 pence and extend it to cover low cost reusable bags. It also gives a summary of other bag levies and bans used in other countries.

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• Anaerobic Digestion across the UK and Europe

  Reference: 52/13 - Date: 12/04/2013

  The following paper considers the use of anaerobic digestion in the UK and Europe. It explores the legislative framework in Europe and NI, and the current situation in the UK and NI in terms of AD plant development. While considering case studies from across the UK it looks to Europe to appreciate how the biogas industry and anaerobic digestion is facilitated. It concludes by discussing a number of considerations for NI.

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• George Best City Airport Planning Application

  Reference: 51/13 - Date: 11/04/2013

  The following paper gives the chronological breakdown of the planning application process for the George Best Belfast City Airport (GBBCA). It considers the process from the initial planning application linked to the terminal extension, the extension of the runway, seats for sale and through to the delayed public inquiry.

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• Access and Liability Briefing

  Reference: 20/13 - Date: 04/02/2013

  The following paper is the briefing given to the Environment Committee on Access and Liability legislation in Northern Ireland, and should be read in conjunction with the Research Paper Access to the countryside in Northern Ireland – occupiers’ liability (Paper 19/13)

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• Access to the countryside in Northern Ireland – occupiers’ liability

  Reference: 19/13 - Date: 04/02/2013

  This briefing paper has been prepared in response to a request from the Environment Committee for information regarding occupiers’ liability in terms of access to the countryside. The paper provides a contextual look at this issue by providing an indicative list of key legislation, types of access land and the amount of publically owned land for outdoor recreation. Concerns and perceptions regarding occupiers’ liability are addressed and details on the actual number of claims made are provided.

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• Planning Bill 2012

  Reference: 13/13 - Date: 25/01/2013

  This paper gives an overview of the clauses of the 2012 Planning Bill, and will return to some of the issues that were discussed during the consideration of equivalent provisions within the 2011 Act. It will also give a brief account of the new additions to the 2012 Bill that are not included in the 2011 Act.

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