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A review of environmental governance in Northern Ireland has recommended that NI Water’s protection from public prosecution for pollution incidents should be revoked, in addition to the creation of an independent environmental regulator. The final report, considered a “call to action” by the review group’s chair, Dr. Viviane Gravey from Queen’s University Belfast, outlines thirty-two recommendations covering clarity, coherence, independence, compliance, transparency, and accountability.
Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs minister Andrew Muir expressed full commitment to enhancing environmental governance and accepted the panel’s recommendations. He announced that a paper addressing these issues will be presented to the Executive shortly. The panel, initiated by Mr. Muir in response to increasing concerns regarding water pollution in Northern Ireland, comprised three experts led by Dr. Gravey alongside Diane Ruddock and John McCallister.
Dr. Gravey emphasized the urgency of the report, noting the mounting environmental stress in Northern Ireland, particularly in the face of climate and nature crises. She underscored the importance of comprehensive governance reform, highlighting the need for an independent environmental regulator and other meaningful changes to the system. The recommendations put forth by the panel are viewed as a practical and achievable path forward for addressing environmental challenges in the region.
The proposed new regulator would oversee various aspects including air and water quality, waste management, nature, biodiversity, and the marine environment, although the exact scope is yet to be determined. According to the report, establishing a clear ‘map’ of environmental governance responsibilities and ensuring a ‘duty to co-operate’ among all public authorities are essential steps. Calls for the creation of an independent environmental protection agency have been ongoing, as environmental campaigners seek an autonomous body capable of holding polluters accountable
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