To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to the recent operating lossess of Islandmagee Energy's parent company, what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the cost of decommissioning and management of the decommisioned gas caverns do not fall on the taxpayer or to be discharged from the Northern Ireland Block Grant.

I have previously stated the position at our Oral Questions on 8 November that Islandmagee Energy Ltd. is responsible for the safe decommissioning of the gas storage caverns at the end of the project's life. The company must ensure that arrangements are made in respect of any residual liabilities.

The arrangements for safe decommissioning should the company fail, are an issue for the landowner, in this instance, The Crown Estate (TCE). TCE has indicated that an acceptable abandonment programme, including the arrangements for residual liabilities, will be required before a lease will be issued to the company. TCE has indicated that works cannot commence below mean high water spring tide level until the issue is resolved. My Department will continue to engage with TCE.