The Justice Minister welcomed Environment Minister’s announcement of DOE’s intention to grant Planning Permission for a forensic science laboratory in Carrickfergus.
In a statement on the DoE’s website yesterday Justice Minister David Ford welcomed Mark H Durkan’s announcement of DOE planning approval for a forensic science laboratory in Carrickfergus.
The £12million capital investment will provide a state-of the-art building for DNA processing and evidence recovery facilities at the current site of Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) at Seapark, Carrickfergus.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “This is a major economic boost for East Antrim. This facility will bring significant investment to the Carrickfergus area and construction jobs in the short term.”
Justice Minister David Ford said: “I welcome the decision by my Executive colleague Mark H Durkan to grant planning approval for the development of a new laboratory at FSNI, which when complete will meet the highest of European standards.
“I am committed to delivering a faster, fairer justice system and FSNI has a vital role in that. The £12million investment which I have allocated will help FSNI to respond to the ever changing demands of forensic science, ensuring the provision of a state of the art, fully accredited service to meet the needs of the wider criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.”
Mark H Durkan continued: “This application – for a service that all of Northern Ireland will benefit from – was turned around in under four months. This shows again how the planning system can deliver swiftly for organisations seeking to expand and invest here. It is further proof that what I and DOE are about is creating a better environment and a stronger economy.”
DOE Planning consulted with Carrickfergus Borough Council on 8 August 2013 who raised no objections to the proposal.