Assembly’s AERA Committee holds meeting at Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co Operative Society

The Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) held its weekly meeting today (Thursday 26 March) at the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co‑Operative Society in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, before visiting Enva, a company providing recycling and resource recovery services, nearby.

The meeting agenda included a briefing from the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society, covering issues related to eel regulation and DAERA financial support.

A briefing was also presented by the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association, ABP Food Group and Dunbia on the issue of proposed changes to the Sheep Carcase Classification legislation.

Following the meeting, members had a short tour of the Co‑Operative Society’s visitor centre, before making their way to Enva to learn more about the recycling of household appliances.

The Chairperson of the AERA Committee, Robbie Butler MLA, said:

“We welcomed the opportunity to hold our meeting in the premises of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co‑Operative Society, to hear their views and to tour the centre. It’s important for the Committee to engage with individuals and groups in their local area, as it helps us better understand the realities and challenges within their community. Our Committee meeting was followed by a visit to Enva, which gave us an insight into the innovative methods used to recycle household appliances including fridges, and was an opportunity for us to learn more about wider issues in the recycling sector.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Maureen Heaney in the NI Assembly Communications Office by email: maureen.heaney@niassembly.gov.uk or phone: 074 8349 0870.

Notes to Editor:

• An audio recording of the meeting will be available here on 27 March.
• Further information on the work of the Committee can be accessed on the Assembly website here.
• Find out more about the Lough Neagh fishermen’s Co-operative here.  

Find out more about Enva here.