NI environment: Panel to consider calls for independent watchdog

Stormont already has the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which was set up 16 years ago, but it is an agency of the devolved government.

For many years, environmental campaigners have been calling for a new, autonomous organisation that could independently hold polluters to account.

Mr Muir said 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.”

The minister has tasked the panel with producing proposals to improve environmental governance, which “may include” a plan to set up an independent environmental protection agency.

That would mean they would also look into how such a body would be constituted and what its responsibilities should be.

The panel will take evidence from interested parties early next year and will use this to produce a report and recommendations for the minister by summer 2025.

The Department for the Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Daera) said any proposed changes will need to be agreed by ministers in the executive.