The preparation and publication of an EIP is a statutory duty placed upon the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) by Schedule 2 to the Environment Act 2021 (the Act), which came into force in July 2022 following Assembly approval.
Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) forms the basis for a coherent and effective set of interventions that can collectively deliver real improvements in the quality of the environment.
The strategic objectives of the EIP are:
- Excellent air, water and land quality;
- A healthy and accessible environment and landscapes everyone can connect with and enjoy;
- Thriving, resilient and connected nature and wildlife;
- Sustainable production and consumption on land and at sea;
- Zero waste and a highly developed circular economy, and
- Net zero greenhouse gas emissions and improved climate resilience and adaptability.
It will improve the health and well-being of all, create opportunities to develop our economy and enable us to play our part in protecting the global environment for years to come.
Environmental Improvement Plan for Northern Ireland