Air assessment at Causeway railway

Moyle Council officer Peter Mawdsley told councillors air quality in Moyle is generally good.

Under air monitoring legislation transport is looked at and a Council report says: 'A coal steam train operates in the Moyle area daily during July and August and at weekends from Easter to June and during September and October, making seven round trips daily (14 journeys in total).

'The stations (2) in the Moyle Council area are located near the Giant's Causeway and in Bushmills. On occasions the trains can idle for 15 minutes at the stations. There is potential for regular outdoor exposure of members of the public within 15 metres whilst it idles at either station.'

The report says that as a result the Council will need to carry out a detailed assessment for sulphur dioxide.

The report adds: 'The first stage of this detailed assessment will consist of a screening exercise to gather further information on the actual length of time and frequency that the train is stationary with its engine running at both stations.

'Due to the seasonal nature of the railway's timetable this could not be achieved before submission of this report. Once further information has been gathered the findings will be discussed with the Review & Assessment helpdesk to determine the most appropriate course of action to progress the detailed assessment.'

The report said the railway line - which has been operating for several years - had previously been unidentified as an area which may impact on air quality.

Meanwhile, Mr Mawdsley told Independent councillor Randal McDonnell the Council is paid 1 per head of population to carry out the air quality testing - which means Moyle gets 16,000.

The councillor said the overall exercise is stupid and a "stunt" as he said everybody knows the air quality in Moyle is good.