Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has responded to publication of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)’s independent assessment of the Northern Ireland Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
The report provides an important and objective assessment of progress to date and highlights the scale of the challenge to improve environmental outcomes across Northern Ireland. It is consistent with the Department’s own assessment, published in January 2026, outlining that further action is needed to accelerate delivery and strengthen environmental outcomes. While recognising areas of progress, it is clear that further action is required to deliver the sustained improvements needed.
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.”
Through the Environmental Improvement Plan, a targeted programme of work is being taken forward to address key environmental pressures. This includes action to tackle nutrient pollution and improve water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters; restore nature and biodiversity; reduce waste and support the transition to a circular economy; and improve air quality.
The Minister added: “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.”
The Department will report regularly on progress against the Plan and will continue to work constructively with the Office for Environmental Protection as delivery progresses.
Notes to editors:
- DAERA will respond formally to the report within its next Annual Progress Report under the Environment Act 2021.
- The Environmental Improvement Plan has entered its second year of delivery. The Annual Progress Report for year one is available at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/environmental-improvement-plan-northern-ireland.
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