Actions to Protect our Environment
What we can do together to protect our environment including the Environmental Improvement Plan
contents
NI Environment Principles Policy Statement
On 6 November 2025 the NI Executive approved the NI Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS). Subsequently, the draft EPPS was laid at the Assembly on 20 November and was subject to the 21 sitting day scrutiny process. The 21-day scrutiny period for the NI EPPS ended on 2 March 2026.
Climate Change and Green Growth
Climate Change and Green Growth are top priorities for the Minister.
Air and environmental issues
Chemicals and industrial pollution policy issues
Local Environmental Issues
Local Environmental Issues
Effects of air pollution on natural ecosystems
As well as having effects on human health, air pollution can also be harmful to our natural environment.
COMAH Public Information Northern Ireland
Information about COMAH sites in Northern Ireland
Reducing Unnecessary Single Use Plastics in NICS Government Estate
DAERA announce plan to reduce unnecessary plastic within the NICS government estate.
Information Events on the Proposed Nutrients Action Programme for 2026-2029
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a Public Consultation following the fourth review of the Nutrients Action Programme. The consultation is seeking views on proposals for the Nutrients Action Programme for 2026-2029.
Northern Ireland carrier bag levy statistics
The Northern Ireland carrier bag levy statistics are updated annually.
Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)
Ips typographus commonly known as Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle or the European spruce bark beetle, large spruce bark beetle and larger eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, is a serious and destructive pest of spruce tree species.
Freshwater Monitoring and Assessment
The Water Science and Evidence group (WSE) promotes the conservation of the water resources of Northern Ireland and the cleanliness of water in waterways and underground whilst taking into account the needs of industry and agriculture, the protection of fisheries, the protection of public health, the preservation of amenities, and the conservation of flora and fauna.
Appointment of a Northern Ireland Non-Executive Member to the Office for Environmental Protection
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Member to the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). The OEP will be established as an independent Non Departmental Public Body by the provisions of the Environment Bill to provide an environmental oversight function. Its broad roles will be to: provide independent scrutiny and advice on the development and implementation of environmental law and policy; investigate environmental complaints from members of the public; and oversee the delivery of environmental law by public authorities, taking steps to bring about compliance where needed. The headquarters of the OEP are located in Worcester. A hybrid working system of meetings in Worcester, alternating with online meetings, is in operation.
The 4th Northern Ireland Countryside Survey
In 2022, DAERA awarded a 6-year contract to deliver the 4th NI Countryside Survey to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH).