The South Antrim MLA said: “I welcome the publication of Northern Ireland’s first Annual Progress Report on the Environmental Improvement Plan and commend Minister Muir and his Department for their hard work and clear focus on improving our environment.
“The report shows that, in a relatively short period of time, the Minister has made real strides across all six Strategic Environmental Outcomes – from cleaner air, water and land, to better protected nature, a more circular economy and progress towards net zero.
“This is particularly significant given that he inherited a situation where environmental policy was too often neglected, or worse, where decisions were taken that actively harmed our environment rather than protected it.
“I especially welcome the development of the Third Cycle River Basin Management Plan, the increased designation of Marine Protected Areas, and the restoration of peatland and creation of new woodland. The reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are further proof that determined, evidence‑based policy can deliver real change.
“Nevertheless, it is clear that there is still much more work to do. Especially in relation to water quality, and in particular the ongoing crisis in Lough Neagh. Nutrient pollution and historic underinvestment in wastewater infrastructure have left us with an environmental emergency that cannot be fixed overnight.
“Minister Muir is on a genuine journey of environmental recovery, but he cannot do this alone. I hope this report will be a turning point and harness the necessary support from other political parties and their ministers, as much more action is needed to turn the curve and repair the harm done to our natural environment.”
“The report shows that, in a relatively short period of time, the Minister has made real strides across all six Strategic Environmental Outcomes – from cleaner air, water and land, to better protected nature, a more circular economy and progress towards net zero.
“This is particularly significant given that he inherited a situation where environmental policy was too often neglected, or worse, where decisions were taken that actively harmed our environment rather than protected it.
“I especially welcome the development of the Third Cycle River Basin Management Plan, the increased designation of Marine Protected Areas, and the restoration of peatland and creation of new woodland. The reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are further proof that determined, evidence‑based policy can deliver real change.
“Nevertheless, it is clear that there is still much more work to do. Especially in relation to water quality, and in particular the ongoing crisis in Lough Neagh. Nutrient pollution and historic underinvestment in wastewater infrastructure have left us with an environmental emergency that cannot be fixed overnight.
“Minister Muir is on a genuine journey of environmental recovery, but he cannot do this alone. I hope this report will be a turning point and harness the necessary support from other political parties and their ministers, as much more action is needed to turn the curve and repair the harm done to our natural environment.”