Actions to Protect our Environment | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Actions to Protect our Environment | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Translation help
Translate this page
Select a language
Arabic —
عربي
Chinese (Simplified) —
中文简体
Chinese (Traditional) —
中文繁體
Dutch —
Nederlands
Filipino —
Filipino
French —
German —
Hungarian —
Magyar
Irish —
Gaeilge
Italian —
Italiano
Latvian —
Latviešu
Lithuanian —
Lietuvių kalba
Polish —
Polski
Portuguese —
Português
Romanian —
Română
Russian —
Русский
Slovak —
Slovenčina
Spanish —
Ukrainian —
Українська
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.
The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 - Key elements
A Green Growth Strategy for Northern Ireland - Balancing our climate, environment and economy
Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme
Air and environmental issues
Air Pollution in Northern Ireland
Air Pollution and Smoke Control
Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Legislation
Chemicals and industrial pollution policy issues
The REACH Regulation
Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Substances
The Industrial Emissions Directive and the Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations
Local Environmental Issues
Local Environmental Issues
Noise
Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside
High hedges
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.
Effects of air pollution on natural ecosystems: science and evidence publications
UK Air Pollution Assessment System (APAS)* – an integrated air quality assessment tool
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).
Related to Actions to Protect our Environment
Most recent publications
The Pollution Prevention and Control (District Councils) Charging Scheme (NI) 2026 - for part C activities
Published 20 April 2026
Information for those applying to hold a bird of prey
Published 3 April 2026
See all publications in this topic
Most recent consultations
Consultation on the Draft Fisheries Management Plan for Non-Quota Shellfish in Northern Ireland
Published 27 April 2026
Closes 17 July 2026
Significant Water Management Issues
Published 18 December 2025
Closes 18 June 2026
See all consultations in this topic
Most recent news items
DAERA publishes Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan Annual Progress Report
Published 27 January 2026
Launch of consultation on next phase of River Basin Management Plan
Published 18 December 2025
See all news in this topic
Access to information
How to request information from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs including
Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs)
and the use of our
Publication Scheme
Share this page
(external link opens in a new window / tab)
(external link opens in a new window / tab)
(external link opens in a new window / tab)