Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots today chaired the first meeting of the region’s new Green Growth Inter-Ministerial Group today (Monday, January 11).
Held virtually, the group included Economy Minister Diane Dodds, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Finance Minister Conor Murphy.
Working together towards shared goals
Speaking following the meeting, Minister Poots explained the session aimed to encourage a “spirit of partnership and collaboration” between ministers over environmental issues.
“The Executive’s overarching multi-decade Green Growth Strategy and Delivery Framework for Northern Ireland is aiming to transform our society towards net-zero by 2050, protect and enhance our environment and deliver sustainable economic growth,” he said.
“The strategy will link together all the relevant areas of policy, strategy and delivery to maintain a clear and long-term focus on achieving this aim.
When I launched the Green Growth concept last year, I recognised the importance of all the key players working together in a spirit of partnership and collaboration, towards a shared goal.
“The Green Growth Inter-Ministerial Group met today, and I am very pleased that my colleagues all confirmed their commitment to the ambition and desired outcomes of the Green Growth agenda and to delivering together for the people of Northern Ireland in this important area.
“We finalised our Terms of Reference and we discussed a range of matters including the Committee for Climate Change’s recent advice to government on the sixth carbon budget and on Northern Ireland’s equitable contribution to the UK’s net-zero by 2050 target.
“We intend to meet regularly and we will update the full Executive and the Assembly as Green Growth progresses.”
