An independent panel has launched a call for evidence seeking views on the current environmental governance arrangements in Northern Ireland.
The submissions will inform the review of environmental governance being led by the independent panel, which was established in November by Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir.
The review will consider a range of options including the potential establishment of an Independent Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland.
Environmental governance
Commenting on the call for evidence, Minister Andrew Muir reiterated that he is “firmly committed to strengthening environmental governance” which he said is “a key ministerial priority”.
He added that the crisis at Lough Neagh has been “a sobering reminder of the need for improved environmental protection and governance”.
“I am aware of divergent views on what new arrangements should look like with very different set-ups across UK and Ireland.
“I am grateful to the independent panel for taking forward their work at pace to review our current environmental governance arrangements and provide their recommendations for improvement with an interim report due in the spring and completion of the full review expected by summer of this year.
“The launch of this call for evidence is a key milestone in that process and an important opportunity for everyone across Northern Ireland to help shape how we can better meet the environmental challenges facing us.
“I strongly encourage everyone to participate and share their views with the independent panel to ensure the best possible way forward can be identified,” Minister Muir said.
Panel
Dr. Viviane Gravey, chair of the independent panel said that “the scale of the environmental challenges we are facing requires strong environmental governance”.
“We are looking forward to hearing a wide range of views on how we can improve environmental governance for all in Northern Ireland,” she said.
The call for evidence is now open for six weeks and welcomes input from individuals, organisations, and communities.
Responses will be used to inform the recommendations of the independent review panel, which is expected to report its findings to the minister by summer 2025.
The panel will also host two public sessions and one online event to gather further insights, as follows:
- February 6: Queens University, Belfast;
- February 18: Loughry College, Cookstown;
- February 27: Online.
The call for evidence will remain open until March 14, 2025. More information and details of how to respond either online or by post are available on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) website.
