RHI sites to be inspected to 'crack down' on abuse of the scheme

Renewable Heat Incentive scheme sites are to be inspected beginning this May in an attempted crackdown on abuse of the scheme.

Former Economy Minister Simon Hamilton initiated the move, which it is hoped will help reduce some of the RHI scheme's anticipated £490m overspend.

1,200 sites have to be inspected, according to data supplied to companies interested in bidding for the contract.

The 'cash for ash' scandal is set to cost the Northern Ireland taxpayer £490m over the next 20 years if a solution is not found.

The aim of the scheme was to encourage businesses to use more renewable energy.

Businesses taking part in the scheme ended up receiving more in funding than the cost of fuel and the scheme became oversubscribed.