An extensive criminal investigation has been initiated following allegations of fraudulent soil samples being utilised in 108 planning applications for the construction of pig, poultry, and cattle sheds, along with biogas plants.

These types of facilities, including factory farms and central anaerobic digesters, are widely perceived as environmental threats due to their substantial waste production, which can potentially contaminate the land through slurry spreading.

Given the concerns regarding the adverse impact of such waste on soil quality, rivers, lakes, and the sea, applicants seeking approval for these developments are required to submit detailed analyses of the soil tests conducted to obtain environmental authorisation.

However, in a troubling revelation, The Detail reported in November that 108 applications had submitted falsified reports.

The investigation is focusing on the involvement of a major planning consultancy in numerous applications under scrutiny. Various governmental entities, including the Department for Infrastructure, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), NI Audit Office, and nine out of the 11 local councils, are actively participating in this probe.

Notably, over half of the questionable applications were directed towards two specific councils, namely Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council. The PSNI, through a spokesperson, conveyed that detectives from their Economic Crime Unit are presently gathering and reviewing information related to the alleged fraudulent activities.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in response to queries, confirmed that they are conducting an enforcement investigation in connection with each identified application, totalling 29 in all. However, the council added that the findings of this investigation, along with any potential actions, are currently treated as confidential. Additionally, they clarified that divulging specific details about the status or types of applications is not feasible at this time.

The council's statement further indicated that any potential actions against individuals "may also be subject to legal privilege and as such, the Council is unable to provide any further comment".

"The Council is unable to provide specific details on the status or types of the applications. Any live planning applications are still under consideration by the Council."

This ongoing investigation raises significant concerns about the integrity of the planning process and the potential environmental ramifications of approving developments based on fraudulent information. The collaboration between various governmental agencies underscores the gravity of the situation, as authorities work diligently to address the alleged misconduct and uphold the standards of environmental protection and regulatory compliance in planning applications.