To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will work with Executive colleagues to establish a public inquiry to address and consider the marine construction licence, discharge consent and Utility Regulator consents together with regards to the proposed Islandmagee Caverns Gas Storage Project.

I expect to be presented with a portfolio of documents within the near future on the determination of an application for a marine construction licence for the Islandmagee Gas Storage project. The documents will also consider reviews of an existing abstraction licence and discharge consent both of which were issued in 2014. I understand that the project requires consents from a number of other consenting authorities. Obtaining these consents would be a matter for the developer to progress with the appropriate consenting authorities.

I also expect to be advised on the option of Executive referral and of the option of holding a public inquiry under section 70 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

My decision will be informed by information that will be presented by officials. I am cognisant of my responsibility to determine the marine licence application and review of the extant abstraction licence and discharge consent in a fair and impartial manner. I am also mindful that I serve all the people of Northern Ireland. Therefore, I am unable to comment or add to speculation on the outcome of a decision I will be making until I have been presented with and considered all relevant information.