Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Minister has committed to ensuring that
full and prompt consideration is given to the findings of the
recent Office of Environmental Protection report (OEP), which has
highlighted the significance of protected sites for nature
recovery.
The OEP has published a detailed review of implementation of laws
for terrestrial and freshwater protected sites in Northern
Ireland and makes 14 recommendations for improvement.
Minister Muir said: “I greatly value the OEP report and I am
firmly committed to ensuring that full and prompt consideration
is given to the findings and recommendations. Nature recovery is
a key priority for me and despite previous work, especially by
many committed non-governmental organisations, much more needs
done to reverse nature loss and ensure effective protection for
biodiversity.
“While I am pleased that the report has found that the legal
framework is largely fit for purpose, it is clear that our
stewardship of the natural environment has not been as robust as
it ought to be, and the OEP's constructive proposals to turn
things around are welcome.
“Lough Neagh - our largest protected site, has been the wake-up
call for what is needed across many, if not all, of our protected
sites. I will now work at pace with officials to review the
evidence and consider the recommendations.”
The Minister continued: “Whilst we have more to do, the OEP
report is timely as I have already taken steps to improve our
protected sites and support nature recovery.
“Proposals to develop a Conservation Management Plan for Lough
Neagh ASSI/SPA/Ramsar sites have just been signed off. Phased
roll out of the Farming with Nature support package for farmers
is also about to commence.
“In addition to this, I also intend to consult on the Nutrients
Action Programme and the Nature Recovery Strategy in the coming
weeks. These policies, once finalised, will further strengthen
our policy framework and help drive action on the ground to turn
this situation around.
“Some of the areas highlighted for improvement are also already
reflected in Northern Ireland's first Environmental Improvement
Plan which was agreed by the Executive in September 2024.
“The biggest constraint we face in making the improvements both
the OEP and I want to see is of course resourcing. The budgetary
position for DAERA is extremely challenging and setting this
alongside a finite workforce with competing priorities means that
we must ensure we use our resources where we can make the biggest
impact.”
The Department has three months to respond to the Review and lay
its response in the Assembly.
