Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for a timeline for the introduction of an independent environment protection agency.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: I am keen to bring forward proposals to enhance environmental governance in Northern Ireland, for consideration by the Executive.
There is however a need to fully scope out this issue and review the current and changed landscape post EU exit to ensure the best possible outcomes and public confidence going forward.
On 19 November 2024 I announced the panel that will undertake their independent review of environmental governance and report back with their recommendations by summer 2025, with an interim report due in spring.
After considering the panel’s recommendations I intend to identify a preferred way forward, which I will take to the Executive by Autumn 2025 before presenting any proposed new arrangements to the Assembly.
ENDS
Your MLA 