January 11, 2021 5:58 pm
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots today chaired the first meeting of the region’s new Green Growth Inter-Ministerial Group today (Monday, January 11).
Held virtually, the group included Economy Minister Diane Dodds, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Finance Minister Conor Murphy.
Working together towards shared goals
Speaking following the meeting, Minister Poots explained the session aimed to encourage a “spirit of partnership and collaboration” between ministers over environmental issues.
“The Executive’s overarching multi-decade Green Growth Strategy and Delivery Framework for Northern Ireland is aiming to transform our society towards net-zero by 2050, protect and enhance our environment and deliver sustainable economic growth,” he said.
And the economist praises Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon for some of her decision-making during the year.
In September, the minister gave the green light for the North South Interconnector, which will create a new overhead electricity line to connect Northern Ireland and the Republic.
It s expected to improve security of supply on both sides of the border though it had also attracted opposition from residents. Mr Simpson also praises Health Minister Robin Swann and health workers for exceptional dedication . Holding the line against an aggressive pandemic, unequalled in our lifetime, has been a remarkable achievement. Many lives have been lost, some unnecessarily, but many more have been saved, Mr Simpson writes.
Tuesday, 22 December 2020 GenComm Program Manager Paul Mc Cormack today welcomed the first hydrogen powered buses entering service in Northern Ireland. Speaking at a launch event at Stormont attended by the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, Mc Cormack said, “Today is a momentous day for those of us who have been on this hydrogen journey for some time now. The fact the three double decker buses are set to enter service locally is excellent news. Our GenComm project aims to address the energy sustainability challenges of North West Europe by validating hydrogen technologies. Translink working with our GenComm partner Energia ably supported by funding from the Department for Infrastructure have helped bring about this day at Stormont.”