Gas storage objectors raise fears with council

As reported in the Larne Times, Islandmagee Storage Limited (IMSL) has submitted a planning application to create a 500 million cubic metres natural gas facility in salt beds almost a mile beneath the lough. The company claims the 250 million facility will be able to satisfy Northern Ireland's peak demand for gas for over 60 days.

But worried residents have launched a campaign aimed at blocking the plans, and have banded together to form the East Antrim Coastal Residents Action Group. The campaign has led to 500 people signing a petition against the proposal, and 300 letters of objection have also been sent to the Planning Service.

At the latest meeting of the environment committee at Smiley Buildings, representatives from the group were given a chance to voice their concerns to local councillors.

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