Debate contribution: Independent Environmental Protection Agency: Establishment

Debate contribution by Mr John Blair on 10 November 2025.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

10 November 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Opposition Business

Heading

Independent Environmental Protection Agency: Establishment

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5225280

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I thank the Member who tabled this timely and vital motion. It is especially fitting that we debate it today, on the opening day of COP30, when political leaders from around the world are gathering to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the climate crisis. It is only right that the Assembly send the strongest possible signal that we too are prepared to meet our environmental responsibilities. For the Alliance Party, creating an independent environmental protection agency is more than just a policy. Rather, it is a fundamental principle and a long-standing goal. We have consistently advocated for one. Its establishment is vital for a sustainable future for Northern Ireland. Our Alliance Party Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is actively working to deliver on that commitment. Just last week, he gave a detailed update in the Chamber in which he reaffirmed his strong commitment to establishing an independent, effective and well-funded environmental protection agency. The need for such an agency is pressing, and the evidence is now irrefutable. The recent independent review of environmental governance provided a thorough and scientific assessment of that evidence, highlighting not only the depths of the environmental pressures facing Northern Ireland but the critical gaps in governance, accountability and enforcement that have undermined real progress. The report's conclusion is clear: an independent environmental protection agency is needed in order to strengthen environmental governance in Northern Ireland. The distressing situation at Lough Neagh — I make no apology, despite the DUP's protestations, for mentioning Lough Neagh — the tragic loss of biodiversity, the state of our rivers, illegal dumping at sites such as Mobuoy and the ever-worsening impacts of climate change are a testament to the environmental, social and financial costs of inaction. We cannot continue to accept fragmented environmental governance, divided among multiple agencies with blurred lines of responsibility and accountability. That fragmentation breeds inconsistency and inefficiency and, most harmful of all, allows vital deadlines and targets to slip past unfulfilled. The Alliance Party recognises that creating a genuinely independent environmental protection agency will be challenging and that it is not a quick solution to our problems. Difficult choices will be necessary, and funding will need to be secured. That should be viewed not as a drawback but as an investment in our future. The Assembly cannot keep repeating its despair about Lough Neagh or our declining environment while, time and time again, failing to deliver the interventions that are desperately required. To achieve lasting and effective solutions, we must embrace cross-departmental collaboration. Environmental challenges do not respect departmental boundaries or sectoral silos. They demand an all-of-government approach that is underpinned by strong political will and a shared responsibility. The environmental protection agency must be operationally independent and must be supported by, and work with, every part of government. Only through taking that approach can we bring about the transformation that is needed. It is not only about obligations but about opportunities for positive, lasting change. An independent agency would act not only as a vital watchdog and deterrent to polluters but as a catalyst for restoration, investment and fostering public trust in our institutions. It could drive improvements in cross-border cooperation, helping protect what is a single biogeographical unit spanning the island of Ireland. Relationships with the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, the Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner, when appointed, and the Office for Environmental Protection will be essential to our shared success. We must also learn from the shortcomings of the past. The absence of functioning government for nearly two years has meant missed deadlines for urgently needed environmental strategies, such as the previously delayed environmental improvement plan. That cannot happen again. We must now commit to resourcing the new agency, not just through funding but with legal powers that equip it to act decisively, independently and effectively. Despite what the DUP said earlier, all the reshuffling and restructuring of the current structures will not make any of them independent of government. The DUP knows that. We need to deliver an IEPA that protects the environment, ensures accountability and regains public trust. In simple terms, the public expect more from us in this Chamber, and, quite frankly, our natural environment deserves better. Alliance is happy to support the motion, and we hope that the Minister will receive the political support to deliver an IEPA that the public will expect him to receive.

728 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:45 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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