Legal proceedings have been launched over the consultation proposals published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) on the early closure of the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) for new small-scale onshore wind generation from 1 April 2016.

Papers were lodged in the High Court in Belfast on Monday (21 December) by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and wind energy company Simple Power Ltd seeking leave for a judicial review.

The case surrounds DETI’s handling of the two-week consultation, which closed on 14 October with 475 industry stakeholder responses, and the effect of the proposals on those who invested in projects they expected to be accredited under NIRO. Previously, DETI Minister Jonathan Bell had stated that NIRO would remain open for onshore wind, along with other renewable technologies to 1 April 2017.

This week Minister Bell said that he was continuing to engage with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in Britain over the closure of NIRO “to secure the best outcome for Northern Ireland”.

Onshore wind

DECC has insisted that it will close renewable obligations for onshore wind projects in Britain from 1 April 2016, with any extra costs in keeping NIRO open having to be met by NI consumers.

“I recognise that the industry needs clarity and I had hoped to publish the formal Government response before now,” added Minister Bell.

The legal case also highlights concern about the same treatment being afforded large-scale (over 250kW) and small-scale wind energy generators when closing NIRO, despite technical and commercial differences between the two. The judicial review hearing is expected to take place in January 2016.

Healthy soil

A healthy soil is the cheapest way to maximise profitability on NI farms and, at the YFCU Optimise agri conference in January, a workshop will consider how to protect our most precious asset.

As we have moved to improve efficiency with larger and heavier machines, the damage to our soils is beginning to be more apparent. This workshop will help to highlight ways to reduce compaction and the remedial action required to reduce the effect on yields and quality.

Other topics covered include the importance of nutrient planning and soil pH. Using practical examples, the workshop will help to interpret soil analysis and create recommendations. New developments in fertiliser technology, such as nitrogen inhibitors, will be discussed along with the use of less common fertilisers such as gypsum.

Tickets for the event are available at www.yfcuagriconference2016.eventbrite.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more information on this, or any of the other workshops taking place at the YFCU Optimise agri conference in association with Massey Ferguson, contact Heather Stewart at heather.stewart@yfcu.org.

Dog attacks kill 38 sheep

Two separate attacks by dogs in the past fortnight in the Whitehouse Road and Groarty Road areas of Derry city have killed 38 sheep.

Derry City and Strabane District Council have issued a plea to dog owners to keep their dogs under control. Livestock worrying is enforced by council and dog attacks on livestock carry a maximum fine of £1,000.

Seamus Donaghy, head of health, community and wellbeing in the council said that farmers in the area are concerned following the recent livestock attacks.