‘Stop prosecuting farmers for valid uses of old tyres’: MLA

The East Antrim Assembly member claimed that in recent months several farmers have been arrested and questioned about tyres used to help cover silage and other feed. He added: “While I understand the need to dispose of used tyres in an environmentally friendly way, the contrasting treatment between those who use tyres as part of their business and those who burn them needs to be addressed.

“For the main part farmers are sensible in the use of used tyres on their farms and are responsible in disposing of any extra tyres.”

Mr McMullan revealed he raised the issue with Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, adding: “The minister has instructed his department to begin a process of working out protocols for the use of tyres on farms.”