I rise to congratulate the No Gas Caverns campaign in Islandmagee on its legal victory yesterday at the Court of Appeal. The campaign has been working for many years to oppose having seven skyscraper-sized caverns constructed under Larne lough to store natural gas. It would have created a dead zone in the sea off the coast of Islandmagee and locked Northern Ireland into fossil fuel dependency for decades at a time when we have legally binding targets to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050.

The No Gas Caverns campaign is made up of local residents who are absolutely committed to protecting that beautiful area for future generations. They fundraised for many years, arranging events such as coffee mornings, local gigs and freezing swims at Brown's Bay, and they have huge support in the local community. It was a long struggle for the campaigners, but they fought tirelessly, overcoming the odds and getting back up after knock-backs. They are a very persistent bunch. The decision could have far-reaching consequences for future fossil fuel projects across Northern Ireland. It is a real David and Goliath story, and it shows that, when a dedicated group of people organise together to oppose a damaging proposal in their area, they can win.

The Assembly declared a climate emergency in 2020 and passed the Climate Change Act in 2022, which set legal targets for reducing emissions. We should shift our focus from polluting fossil fuel schemes such as that proposed project and concentrate on seizing the huge economic benefits and security of supply that will come from developing sources of clean renewable energy here in Northern Ireland. In the words of the campaign spokesperson, Lisa Dobbie:

"It's a win for the community, wildlife and the environment".