Menu
08/03/2022
New Environmental Protections For NI
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed new legislative provisions providing additional environmental protections for Northern Ireland.
The Environment (2021 Act) (Commencement and Saving Provision) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 brings into force a range of environmental measures, including a new legal framework for environmental governance and accountability now that the UK has left the EU. It was approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 22 February 2022.
The key elements of this framework are statutory duties on DAERA to publish an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), issue a policy statement on environmental principles, and the extension of the remit of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to include Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the Assembly's approval of this legislation, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: "These measures will not only enhance existing environmental protections but will create mechanisms that will benefit future generations through a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Northern Ireland.
"Protecting and enhancing our environment is a priority for my Department and I am pleased to introduce these new provisions to further safeguard our planet. It is vital that Northern Ireland continues to play its part in the wider environment and climate change agendas and these provisions will enable us to do so. The independent advice from the OEP is very welcome to ensure good environmental governance."
On the news that the OEP would be functioning here from 28 February, Chair, Dame Glenys Stacey, said: "This is another significant step for environmental improvement and protection, and a welcome new responsibility for the OEP. We look forward to getting on with the job and are confident we can make a positive difference for Northern Ireland's environment and its people."
The OEP was legally established in November 2021 and will operate as an independent environmental oversight body across England and Northern Ireland, a role previously undertaken by the European Commission. The new body's purpose is to hold public authorities to account for the proper implementation of environmental law. Its Northern Ireland functions include: scrutinising environmental improvement plans; scrutinising environmental law; advising NI Departments on environmental law; and enforcing against failures to comply with environmental law.
The Environment (2021 Act) (Commencement and Saving Provision) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 brings into force a range of environmental measures, including a new legal framework for environmental governance and accountability now that the UK has left the EU. It was approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 22 February 2022.
The key elements of this framework are statutory duties on DAERA to publish an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), issue a policy statement on environmental principles, and the extension of the remit of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to include Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the Assembly's approval of this legislation, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: "These measures will not only enhance existing environmental protections but will create mechanisms that will benefit future generations through a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Northern Ireland.
"Protecting and enhancing our environment is a priority for my Department and I am pleased to introduce these new provisions to further safeguard our planet. It is vital that Northern Ireland continues to play its part in the wider environment and climate change agendas and these provisions will enable us to do so. The independent advice from the OEP is very welcome to ensure good environmental governance."
On the news that the OEP would be functioning here from 28 February, Chair, Dame Glenys Stacey, said: "This is another significant step for environmental improvement and protection, and a welcome new responsibility for the OEP. We look forward to getting on with the job and are confident we can make a positive difference for Northern Ireland's environment and its people."
The OEP was legally established in November 2021 and will operate as an independent environmental oversight body across England and Northern Ireland, a role previously undertaken by the European Commission. The new body's purpose is to hold public authorities to account for the proper implementation of environmental law. Its Northern Ireland functions include: scrutinising environmental improvement plans; scrutinising environmental law; advising NI Departments on environmental law; and enforcing against failures to comply with environmental law.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2005
Friends of the Earth target NI pollution
Owners of polluting factories and landfill sites across Northern Ireland were put on notice this week as Friends of the Earth published a new guide to fighting pollution. The briefing which is free of charge gives individuals and communities the information they need to tackle pollution in their area.
Friends of the Earth target NI pollution
Owners of polluting factories and landfill sites across Northern Ireland were put on notice this week as Friends of the Earth published a new guide to fighting pollution. The briefing which is free of charge gives individuals and communities the information they need to tackle pollution in their area.
26 March 2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
30 September 2024
NI Executive Approves Environmental Improvement Plan
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the Executive's approval of Northern Ireland's first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
NI Executive Approves Environmental Improvement Plan
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the Executive's approval of Northern Ireland's first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
05 September 2022
Poots Publishes New Future Agricultural Policy for NI
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Edwin Poots has announced the publication of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement for the Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland.
Poots Publishes New Future Agricultural Policy for NI
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Edwin Poots has announced the publication of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Statement for the Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland.
05 October 2021
DAERA Developing 'Clean, Healthy And Safe Seas' Strategy
Views are being sought to help the Department for the Environment ensure Northern Ireland's seas are clean, healthy, safe and productive. A UK-wide public consultation has been launched on the Marine Strategy which has been developed with input from scientific experts and policy-makers across the 4 UK administrations.
DAERA Developing 'Clean, Healthy And Safe Seas' Strategy
Views are being sought to help the Department for the Environment ensure Northern Ireland's seas are clean, healthy, safe and productive. A UK-wide public consultation has been launched on the Marine Strategy which has been developed with input from scientific experts and policy-makers across the 4 UK administrations.
-
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.
