Image via DAERA

The Independent Panel appointed by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched a Call for Evidence seeking views on the current environmental governance arrangements in Northern Ireland and options for improvement.

The Call for Evidence will inform the review of environmental governance led by the independent panel, which was established in November 2024. The review will consider a range of options including the potential establishment of an Independent Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland.

Minister Muir said: “The crisis at Lough Neagh has been a sobering reminder of the need for improved environmental protection and governance.

“I am firmly committed to strengthening environmental governance, it’s a key ministerial priority and I want to see effective action. I am aware of divergent views on what new arrangements should look like with very different set-ups across UK and Ireland.

“I am grateful to the Independent Panel for taking forward their work at pace to review our current environmental governance arrangements and provide their recommendations for improvement with an interim report due in the spring and completion of the full review expected by summer of this year.

“The launch of this Call for Evidence is a key milestone in that process and an important opportunity for everyone across Northern Ireland to help shape how we can better meet the environmental challenges facing us.

“I strongly encourage everyone to participate and share their views with the independent panel to ensure the best possible way forward can be identified.”

Dr Viviane Gravey, Chair of the independent panel said: “The scale of the environmental challenges we are facing requires strong environmental governance. We are looking forward to hearing a wide range of views on how we can improve environmental governance for all in Northern Ireland.”

The Call for Evidence is now open for six weeks and welcomes input from individuals, organisations, and communities. Responses will be used to inform the recommendations of the independent review panel, which is expected to report its findings to the Minister by summer 2025.

Register for the online event on 27th February here…

Read more