DAERA Minister has issued an update on the
Public Consultation on the review of the Nutrients Action
Programme.
Minister Muir said: “The Nutrients Action Programme, was
introduced 18 years ago to fulfil our legal requirement to reduce
water pollution from agricultural sources, with much good work
undertaken to date by farmers. The legally required NAP review is
an important opportunity to shape the actions we can take
together over the next four years.
“Given the crisis declared at Lough Neagh, it is vital we
take further actions to improve water quality in our rivers,
lakes and loughs. I am firmly committed to delivery of the Lough
Neagh Action Plan and Programme for Government commitments, and
in doing so, an urgent and collective endeavour is
critical.”
A pathway towards shaping the updated Nutrients Action Programme
(NAP) to improve water quality in Northern Ireland has been set
out.
Minister Muir said: “When the consultation closes on 24
July, the Department will set up a timebound stakeholder task and
finish group with an external facilitator and representatives
from farming, agri-food, environmental groups and the Department.
Working collaboratively and taking into account the consultation
responses, plus any other potential solutions, the group will be
asked to propose measures and actions, that are evidence based
and workable at farm level within realistic timeframes, as well
as meeting legislative
requirements.”
During this process, consideration will be given to the economic
impact of these revised proposals and a draft Economic Impact
Assessment will also be prepared on the revised proposals.
As a means of continuing the iterative process of engagement, a
further eight-week public consultation will be carried out on the
updated proposals and the draft Economic Impact Assessment.
Minister Muir continued: “I have repeatedly said I will
work with everyone as part of the current NAP review and that no
final decisions have been taken. I extended the original public
consultation period to give interested parties more time to
consider the complex proposals and previously outlined my
commitment to establishing a focused stakeholder group to help
inform the way ahead.
“I have also made clear that some of the draft measures
will of course require funding support and officials within my
department are considering how we can meet that need in the time
ahead.
“Following the work of the focused stakeholder group, I
also intend to undertake a further eight-week consultation, in
the spirit of openness and transparency, to give the public and
wider stakeholders an opportunity to provide views on any updated
proposals, before taking my final decisions on the updated NAP to
the Executive for agreement.”
The Minister concluded: “I would encourage anyone who has
not yet done so, to respond to the public consultation. We are
also providing further clarification on the DAERA website in
response to issues raised during the consultation process. I am
determined that we chart a way forward together to protect and
improve our environment and support sustainable and successful
farm businesses.”
The public consultation closes at 11:59pm on 24 July 2025 and is
available at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-proposed-nutrients-action-programme-2026-2029
Notes to editors
- A number of matters have been clarified and additional
information provided on the consultation page on DAERA's
website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-proposed-nutrients-action-programme-2026-2029 in
relation to the current public consultation, in order to
address some concerns which have been raised.
- This includes the presentations delivered at the public
events and links to further information on the NAP, which will
provide further information for those who require it.
