Northern Ireland’s environment minister has responded to the first statutory assessment by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) of the region’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), acknowledging progress in some areas while recognising that major environmental challenges remain.
The OEP, the independent watchdog established under the Environment Act 2021 to monitor environmental governance in Northern Ireland and England, is responsible for assessing whether the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is delivering on commitments set out in Northern Ireland’s Environmental Improvement Plan.
The OEP’s report, published yesterday, finds that the current pace and scale of action will not deliver the change that is needed for the plan to be effective.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said:
“The Office for Environmental Protection’s report is a valuable assessment of where we are and the strides we still have to make to reverse the decades of damage done to our environment. The recommendations reinforce the urgent need for sustained, evidence-led, fully funded action for years to come from across government.
“Much like at Lough Neagh, there are no quick fixes for the wider issues threatening our environment. I am hopeful that we can collectively take the steps required to allow nature to recover with a change in perspective from everyone that recognises the importance of investing in environmental protection – because there is no future without nature, clean air and water.
“From waste to water quality, DAERA is striving to do what is necessary to improve our environment. We are investing millions in nature recovery projects and peatland restoration, whilst supporting our farmers who are working with nature to improve water. New legislation has also been introduced to the Assembly that will provide better and more flexible enforcement options to take action against water pollution.
“There is, of course, more to be done but this must, as the Environmental Improvement Plan requires, be a collective endeavour across government, especially in relation to wastewater. Support for the difficult decisions are essential to ensure we leave the environment in a better state for future generations. We have no more time to lose.”
