Summary
The Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today launched a consultation on the water quality policies to inform the development of a Fisheries and Water Environment Bill. The consultation will run for 8 weeks from 11th September to 6th November 2025. The primary method for responses is online via Citizen Space.
Documents
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - Consultation Document
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - SEA Environmental Impact Assessment
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - Impact Assessment Screening Pack
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - Equality Screening Impact Assessment
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - Regulatory Impact Assessment
- Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Protection of the Water Environment - Rural Needs Act NI Impact Assessment
Consultation description
Good water quality and habitats are not only essential for fish stocks but for health, hygiene and overall well-being. For businesses, good water quality is critical for operational efficiency, product safety and regulatory compliance.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs wishes to deter polluters and non-compliant operators, supporting the Departmental priority of protecting and restoring our water environment and delivering improvements to water quality.
The consultation on policies to protect the water environment will inform the drafting of new legislation in the form of a Fisheries and Water Environment Bill.
All documents associated with the consultation can be found at the top of this page.
To share your views on the proposed protection of the water environment policy please click on the link below.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.