To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the importance of public confidence in the Islandmagee Gas Storage Project Consultation process; and for his assessment of the impact that an extension of the consultation will have on public confidence.

I believe that it is very important that the public has full confidence in the consultation for the proposed gas storage project at Island Magee.

The applicant has hosted a number of public events to promote direct engagement with members of the public. These have been attended by DAERA staff. The extension has facilitated two further events on 20th February and 18th March and gives the general public an additional opportunity to comment on the proposal. The applicant has also established an Islandmagee Energy Fund of £1 million which is to be allocated and utilised within the local community over the life-span of the proposed project.