Three independent experts have been appointed by DAERA Minister
to conduct a review of
environmental governance in Northern Ireland, including
considering options for an independent environment protection
agency.
The panel will be chaired by Dr Viviane Gravey, a senior lecturer
in European Politics at Queen's University. Dr Gravey will be
assisted by Diane Ruddock, who has recently retired from the
National Trust and , who is a current member
of the Ulster Farmers' Union.
The independent review comes amidst the growing public concern
for the environment and the challenges that are currently being
faced, such as the blue/green algae blooms in Lough Neagh and
other waterways.
Speaking of the announcement, made in the Assembly today, the
Minister said: “I am committed to strengthening environmental
governance in Northern Ireland and ensuring that we have the
right structures in place to protect our environment and hold
individuals and organisations to account for environmental
breaches.
“However, it is really important that I make clear that the many
calls for a different environmental governance regime and indeed
my own desire to see one, are absolutely no reflection of the
dedication and commitment I see every day in the staff of
NIEA. These are public servants who continue to work
tirelessly to protect and enhance our natural environment, whilst
regulating the activities that can adversely affect it.”
Minister Muir continued: “I have asked the panel to review our
current environmental governance and bring forward improvement
proposals, which may include proposals to establish an
Independent Environmental Protection Agency, including the
potential shape, policy and legal responsibility of such an
organisation.
“The panel will lead a call for evidence early in the New Year
that will give stakeholders an opportunity to provide their input
and they will use the evidence gathered to make independent
recommendations. The arrangements for this call for evidence and
stakeholder engagement will be confirmed by the panel in due
course.”
The panel will provide their report next summer and the outcomes
and recommendations will be considered by the Minister and any
proposed changes will need to be agreed by the Executive.
Minister Muir concluded: “The current level of environmental
degradation cannot continue, we need to act now. We need to
collectively deliver the actions within the Environmental
Improvement Plan, which was recently approved by the Executive,
as well as deliver the Lough Neagh Action Plan. I look forward to
receiving the recommendations from the independent panel.”
Terms of reference are available on the DAERA website
here: Environmental Governance
Review Terms of Reference for Panel.
Oral Ministerial Statement to
the Northern Ireland Assembly - Environmental Governance in
Northern Ireland.
Notes to editors:
Panel biographies:
Dr Viviane Gravey will chair the panel. She is a senior lecturer
in European Politics at Queen's University and has considerable
knowledge regarding environmental governance in post Brexit
Northern Ireland.
Diane Ruddock has recently retired from the National Trust. Diane
has previously received an OBE for services to the environment,
heritage and the community in Northern Ireland.
is a current member of the
Ulster Farmers' Union and provides a wealth of experience of the
agricultural industry, including as Land Mobility Programme
Manager with Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster.
