First Minister Blamed Over £30m Overspend In Renewable Energy Scheme

The Green Party has blamed First Minister Arlene Foster over the £30million overspend in the renewable energy scheme in Northern Ireland.

A senior civil servant apologised over "very serious mistakes" in the scheme, however Green Party leader Steven Agnew MLA said "the buck must stop" with Arlene Foster.

Mr Agnew said: "It was Arlene Foster, who, as Minister for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, announced the scheme in 2012. We were told then that it was a £25 million investment from Westminster. In essence, all the DETI Minister had to do was administer a scheme that had been established and was being funded by the Westminster Government.


"Despite that, we ended up with a £30 million overspend.

"It is clear that the DUP does not support renewable energy, but we must not waste the potential that the renewable energy industry offers to the Northern Ireland economy in terms of job creation and reduction in energy costs.

"I would ask the First Minister to now explain why such a shambles was allowed to happen under her watch."

(CD/MH)