Minister Muir responds to Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) report on improving protection for nature
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir 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:xa0“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.xa0I will now work at pace with officials to review the evidence and consider the recommendations.”
The Minister added:xa0“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.
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