The report contains 32 recommendations, many designed to ensure much clearer separation between policy-making and regulation, and to improve public confidence and trust in environmental governance.

The South Antrim MLA has said: “This detailed and comprehensive report is an important intervention in efforts to strengthen environmental governance and establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency.

“From the dreadful scenes of blue-green algae plaguing Lough Neagh, to illegal dumping at Mobuoy, state of nature and biodiversity all point to the need for robust environmental protections in Northern Ireland. Alliance has a strong track record in support of an IEPA, in the knowledge that the transparency and accountability it will bring is crucial for safeguarding our natural world, as well as being the ultimate invest-to-save measure.

“I want to thank the panel of experts for their invaluable insight, and commend Minister Muir for his wholehearted commitment, and would urge others to get behind the panel recommendations. The case for change could not be more pressing and we have no time for delay.

“Nobody should have anything to fear from better, more accountable environmental governance. Restoring trust and confidence in environmental protection is good for the economy, for our communities, and our natural world."