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21/05/2015
Environment Agency Must Step Up Enforcement
A review of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has recommended the department increases the penalties for offenders involved in environmental crime.
The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) was invited by the Environment Minister Mark Durkan to look at the operation and work of the agency's Environmental Crime Unit (ECU).
Concerns were raised last year over the way the unit was handling cases.
The report also recommended the NIEA "enhance its enforcement and regulation activity".
James Corrigan, Deputy Chief Inspector of CJI, said: "While CJI was satisfied the way the unit was operating did not pose any significant concerns, Inspectors have made a number of strategic and operational recommendations designed to strengthen the operation and performance of the unit and its ability to tackle waste crime.
He added: "Environmental crime impacts on all of us. Significant organised waste crime has been found to exist in Northern Ireland with criminals, illegal and unscrupulous operators making significant profits from waste crime and illegal waste disposal."
The Environment Minister welcomed the reviews findings.
Mr Durkan said: "I note that CJI has recommended that the NIEA enhance its enforcement and regulation activity and develops a more rigorous approach to dealing with environmental crime offenders. Their recommendations mirror my approach and I welcome their suggestions."
(LM)
The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) was invited by the Environment Minister Mark Durkan to look at the operation and work of the agency's Environmental Crime Unit (ECU).
Concerns were raised last year over the way the unit was handling cases.
The report also recommended the NIEA "enhance its enforcement and regulation activity".
James Corrigan, Deputy Chief Inspector of CJI, said: "While CJI was satisfied the way the unit was operating did not pose any significant concerns, Inspectors have made a number of strategic and operational recommendations designed to strengthen the operation and performance of the unit and its ability to tackle waste crime.
He added: "Environmental crime impacts on all of us. Significant organised waste crime has been found to exist in Northern Ireland with criminals, illegal and unscrupulous operators making significant profits from waste crime and illegal waste disposal."
The Environment Minister welcomed the reviews findings.
Mr Durkan said: "I note that CJI has recommended that the NIEA enhance its enforcement and regulation activity and develops a more rigorous approach to dealing with environmental crime offenders. Their recommendations mirror my approach and I welcome their suggestions."
(LM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
