SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has slammed a decision by the
Minister Jonathan Bell to axe the Renewable Heat Incentive. The loss of the
scheme which funds renewable heating projects to produce renewable energy
is predicted to cost 2,000 jobs with a business owner in Omagh expressing
concern for his 70 staff.
Mr McCrossan said: “Minister Bell’s sudden announcement makes devastating reading for
the many businesses who have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into
equipment on the basis of the scheme
“One company based in Omagh have
£650,000 worth of orders taken on this scheme and have £400,000 worth of
boilers already paid for and non-refundable. They are expecting this move to
cost them around £1million and are seriously concerned about the future of
their 70 staff. They said that if the Minister had given warning or employed a
staggered reduction then the damage would not be as severe.
“DETI has specialised in low-skill
job creation and massive job losses particularly in manufacturing. Throughout
the North this move has been forecast to cost 2,000 jobs in an industry that
employs graduates and skilled workers. Minister Bell seems intent on
creating a call-centre economy.
“The Minister intends to bring his
plan to the Assembly on Monday. The SDLP will strong in our opposition to a
decision that will only put people on the dole queue and businesses into
administration.”
No comments:
Post a Comment