The Orange Order's ruling body, the Grand Orange Lodge of
Ireland, today joined calls for a Public Enquiry into plans
for an open cast lignite mine in North Antrim.
"The lignite mining proposal will clearly have a major
bearing on the lives of a huge number of people living in
Ballymoney and the surrounding area" said a Grand Lodge
spokesman.
"In common with thousands of others, of all traditions,
the Orange Order is concerned about the possible atmospheric
visual and noise pollution effects that could be associated
with this proposal - not to mention the impact it may have
on a closely knit rural community and tourism in an area of
outstanding natural beauty".
"It's essential that the views of the community are
heard on this. As the biggest Protestant community group in
the Province committed to preserving and improving the quality
of life for all residents of Northern Ireland, the Orange
Order believes that this proposal cannot be allowed to go
ahead without a proper public enquiry at which all the arguments
for and against are fully aired and discussed".
The Grand Lodge has urged all Orangemen living in the North
Antrim area to contact the planning authorities and lobby
their political representatives to press for a public enquiry.
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