Land Use Database
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) Land and Resource Management Unit holds a database of sites where, based on their historic land-use, there is potential for contamination to be present. Such land-uses include former petrol stations, chemical manufacturing or gas works sites.
The database was developed in 1997 and contains details on approximately 12,000 sites within Northern Ireland. However, the information has not been fully validated and details are provided on a 'without prejudice' basis. A listing on the database does not necessarily mean that the site is affected by contamination. If the previous land-use indicates the potential for contamination, NIEA would recommend an initial desk study, supported by an appropriate risk assessment and site investigation if required to determine if unacceptable risks to health or the environment are present.
Further information on the industrial processes and materials associated with the site classifications that may cause the land to be affected by contamination are available in the relevant Department of Environment (DOE) Industrial Profiles. Copies can be downloaded from the Land Quality Guidance page.
A programme of work is planned to update the information currently held within this database with a longer-term view of transferring this data to a GIS based system.
The database can be consulted with regard to previous land-use for a particular site and the surrounding area. This is a free service and can be accessed by sending the details of your request to the address below. It will help your search if you are able to provide a grid reference or post code and a map. Searches are normally a 250m radius around a given point.
Please send your request to:
Land Quality
Land and Resource Management
Klondyke Buildling
Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Lower Ormeau Road
Belfast
BT7 2JA
Fax: 028 9056 9310
