Minister hails quarrying industry efforts to promote nature

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today saw first hand what a Co Antrim quarrying firm is doing to promote biodiversity.

The Minister joined pupils from Broughshane Primary School on a fact finding visit during European Minerals Day to Craig’s Quarry in Ballymena, where Robinson Quarry Masters has invested in a number of measures to encourage biodiversity on the site including the planting of native trees.

Mr Wilson said: “I am pleased to support Northern Ireland’s mineral industry and commend the industry for its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote biodiversity.

“The industry and its trade association, the Quarry Products Association have worked hard to reduce the environmental impact associated with quarrying. It is leading the way in employing sustainable practices and promoting biodiversity.

“Robinson Quarry Masters is one such example of sustainability in practice through their efforts to encourage biodiversity on-site and ongoing engagement with local schools to instil an appreciation of our local environment.”

During the open day at Craig’s Quarry, the pupils learnt about quarrying processes and the wealth of biodiversity that flourishes in quarries including breeding peregrines, breeding moorhens and an array of wild flowers.

Quarry Manager Stephen Robinson explained to the children and the Minister how he manages his everyday operations. This includes enhancing local biodiversity through a native tree planting project with the Northern Ireland Conservation Volunteers.

Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) Biodiversity Officer, Laverne Bell welcomed the opportunity under European Minerals Day to showcase the work going on in the industry to promote biodiversity.

She said: “The quarrying industry makes a great contribution to the quality of our lives through the materials it produces. European Minerals Day is an excellent occasion to showcase the industry in Northern Ireland.

“This year the EU has given special attention to biodiversity, as quarries and pits are important for a wide variety of wildlife during their working life and after they are restored.

“Our industry is well aware of this and of its responsibility to support biodiversity and is actively working towards its conservation and enhancement.”

Following the success of the first European Minerals Day in 2007 - which welcomed more than 30,000 visitors in over 100 sites in 17 European countries - the European minerals sector and related organisations will, between May 15 and 17, give the public the opportunity to discover more about an industry that affects every aspect of our lives.

Mineral extraction activities have the potential to cause serious damage to the environment and, as a result, QPANI plays an active role in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Better Regulation programme.

Notes to Editors:

1. The European Minerals Day was launched on 14 May 2009 in the presence of Mr Günter Verheugen, European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Enterprise & Industry. The Launch Ceremony took place at a quarry site in the Czech Republic, coinciding with the country's Presidency of the European Union. A range of events will be held across Europe between 15 and 17 May 2009 to celebrate the European Minerals Day.
2. NIEA published ‘Better Regulation for a Better Environment’ in March 2008 and a number of simplification initiatives are underway, such as the development of quality protocols for well managed materials, an online waste facility directory and a pilot system for online applications.
3. In collaboration with QPANI and the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), NIEA have developed guidance to promote the sustainable reuse of asphalt road planings (tarmac) and provide clarification to the producers and users of such materials.
4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.