EMFG / NIEA – Public Participation during Covid-19

Public Participation

The restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19 have impacted on the ability of DAERA’s Environment Marine and Fisheries Group (EMFG) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to engage with stakeholders and provide access to information as we would have done before the pandemic. Therefore, to ensure we can still deliver this service, and ensure both yours, and our safety, and in line with current guidance publicised by the NI Executive, alternative electronic methods will be used to facilitate public participation. For example- online public registers and webinars will replace face to face stakeholder events, and viewing of paper files in the office.

How do I view information held by EMFG/NIEA?

If you would like to view information you think is held by NIEA in a public register, please contact the relevant team on the telephone number or e-mail address given below. Every effort will made to facilitate your request, taking account of the current Covid-19 restrictions set out by the NI Executive.

Key contact details:

If my application requires advertisement in a local newspaper, how will this be advertised if my local newspaper isn’t in print due to Covid-19 restrictions?

We will check first to see if the local newspaper has recommenced printing. If this is not the case, applications will be advertised on the DAERA website.