The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(DAERA) has launched a public consultation on policy proposals in
relation to the protection of Northern Ireland's water
environment.
The Lough Neagh Action Plan committed DAERA to reviewing fines
and penalties for environmental crime, including pollution
offences, and this policy proposal aims to ensure that
enforcement mechanisms for polluters are both proportionate and
effective, supporting the Departmental priorities of protecting
and restoring our water environment and also driving improvements
to water quality.
Where enforcement is necessary to act as a deterrent, a range of
additional measures are proposed, ensuring action can be
undertaken in a fair, balanced and proportionate manner. It is
important that everyone understands their role in ensuring that
the water environment is protected.
The proposals, which focus on Northern Ireland's seas, rivers and
lakes, will feed into the forthcoming Fisheries and Water
Environment Bill. The intention is to embed water quality firmly
within the fourth cycle River Basin Management Plan and build on
the four key pillars outlined in the Lough Neagh Action Plan:
Education, Investment, Regulation and Enforcement to ensure
consistency across the piece.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, , said: “If we are to
truly turn the tide on water quality then we need a modern regime
of fines and penalties to hold polluters accountable. Whilst my
Department will always work constructively through
incentivisation and education, there must be consequences for all
those who continue to pollute our waterways.
“Good water quality is not only essential for our marine
wildlife and biodiversity, it's vital for all of us, whether it
is the drinking water from our tap or the waterbodies we swim in.
Lough Neagh must be a turning point, and action requires everyone
to take responsibility for their water pollution, whether as an
individual or a business.
“These proposals, arising from the Lough Neagh Action
Plan, are intended to be a proportionate response to the clear
need to do more to protect and restore our rivers, lakes and
coastal waters. Responses to the consultation will shape the
final legislation and I would encourage all interested parties to
share their views on the proposals before the deadline on 6
November 2025.”
The policy proposals outlined in the consultation are designed to
deter polluters and non-compliant operators, supporting the
Departmental priority of protecting and restoring our water
environment and delivering improvements to water quality.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation on policy proposals for the Fisheries and
Water Environment Bill will run until 6 November 2025. Full
details of the proposals and how to respond to them can be
accessed at the following webpage: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/fisheries-and-water-environment-bill-protection-water-environment
