DAERA Minister has responded to publication
of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)'s independent
assessment of the Northern Ireland Environmental Improvement Plan
(EIP).
The report provides an important and objective assessment of
progress to date and highlights the scale of the challenge to
improve environmental outcomes across Northern Ireland. It is
consistent with the Department's own assessment, published in
January 2026 (www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/environmental-improvement-plan-northern-ireland),
outlining that further action is needed to accelerate delivery
and strengthen environmental outcomes. While recognising areas of
progress, it is clear that further action is required to deliver
the sustained improvements needed.
DAERA Minister said: The Office for
Environmental Protection's report is a valuable assessment of
where we are and the strides we still have to make to reverse the
decades of damage done to our environment. The recommendations
reinforce the urgent need for sustained, evidence-led, fully
funded action for years to come from across government.
Through the Environmental Improvement Plan, a targeted programme
of work is being taken forward to address key environmental
pressures. This includes action to tackle nutrient pollution and
improve water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters;
restore nature and biodiversity; reduce waste and support the
transition to a circular economy; and improve air quality.
The Minister added: Much like at Lough Neagh, there are no quick
fixes for the wider issues threatening our environment. I am
hopeful that we can collectively take the steps required to allow
nature to recover with a change in perspective from everyone that
recognises the importance of investing in environmental
protection - because there is no future without nature, clean air
and water.
From waste to water quality, DAERA is striving to do what is
necessary to improve our environment. We are investing millions
in nature recovery projects and peatland restoration, whilst
supporting our farmers who are working with nature to improve
water. New legislation has also been introduced to the Assembly
that will provide better and more flexible enforcement options to
take action against water pollution.
There is, of course, more to be done but this must, as the
Environmental Improvement Plan requires, be a collective
endeavour across government, especially in relation to
wastewater. Support for the difficult decisions are essential to
ensure we leave the environment in a better state for future
generations. We have no more time to lose.
The Department will report regularly on progress against the Plan
and will continue to work constructively with the Office for
Environmental Protection as delivery progresses.
Notes to editors:
- DAERA will respond formally to the report within its next
Annual Progress Report under the Environment Act 2021.
- The Environmental Improvement Plan has entered its second
year of delivery. The Annual Progress Report for year one is
available on the DAERA website at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/environmental-improvement-plan-northern-ireland.
