Date set for RHI challenge

A hearing for a judicial review into the changes to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs that were approved by the Assembly last month has been provisionally scheduled for 20 and 21 March.

The Renewable Heat Association NI (RHANI) filed proceedings last Friday against the Department for the Economy over the RHI tariff changes.

Meanwhile, RHANI has increased membership fees for new and existing members. The original cost of membership was £180 plus £60 for each RHI-accredited boiler. This has now changed to £180 plus £252 per boiler. Existing members have been asked to pay a second-stage fee of £152 per boiler.

The association also went to court in January to prevent the names of RHANI members from being made public. An interim court injunction prevents the Department for the Economy from publishing the names until a case is heard at the end of the month.

UFU competition

As part of plans to commemorate its centenary in 2018, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU)has launched a farm photography competition.

The theme will be “the beauty of farming through the generations” and the competition is open to all members. The best photos will be displayed on the UFU stand at Balmoral Show and all visitors will be eligible to vote on the top 12 for the 2018 calendar.

There is no limit to the number of pictures that can be submitted.

Photographs do not have to be new but should must be submitted by the person who took them.

  • Pictures should be sent to heatherstewart@ufuhq.com in Jpeg format before Friday 21 April.

    • Antrim sheep theft

    Police in Co Antrim are appealing for information on the theft of 19 ewes and a ram from a farm on the Sealstown Road near Newtonabbey. “Nineteen Suffolk/Cheviot sheep and one pedigree ram were taken sometime between 8.45am on 1 February and 8.45am the following day,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

    The PSNI can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting reference 499 of 2.2.17. Information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.