RYA Northern Ireland says it has been in discussions with British Marine and other stakeholders regarding the safe disposal of out-of-date flares.
Marine flares have become increasingly difficult to dispose of in Northern Ireland in recent years, which RYANI recognises “has been a source of immense frustration for boaters”.
While facilities exist for expired flare disposal elsewhere on the island of Ireland, there are currently no such facilities in Northern Ireland.
And while marinas and chandleries in the region have been approached regarding the possibility of hosting such collection hubs, RYANI says that “none of these sites have agreed to take this on and Northern Ireland continues to have no designated facilities for the safe disposal of flares”.
It adds: “There are ongoing conversations with the wider sector to try and resolve this situation with an amnesty day also being explored.
“We will keep our members updated as soon as any development is made but reassured that the sector is working hard to find a solution here in Northern Ireland.”