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Green groups launch debate on environmental protection

A coalition of leading environmental organisations [1] today launched a consultation on the future of environmental protection in Northern Ireland and encouraged everyone to participate. The debate begins with the publication of a research report describing a range of options for the way ahead, including the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency.

Malachy Campbell, speaking on behalf of the coalition, explained:

"For many years the voluntary sector has highlighted concerns about our environment and the need for new institutions to better protect it. Our calls have been echoed by a number of external reviews. In order to take this matter forward, we have commissioned an eminent academic to conduct a detailed analysis of the options and we hope his report will stimulate a debate in which everyone will become involved."

The report published today [2] was written by Professor Richard Macrory [3], a leading scholar in the field of environmental law at University College, London. Entitled Transparency and Trust: Reshaping Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland, it assesses a range of options within three thematic areas:

• The first theme addresses the delivery arrangements for pollution control, wildlife protection and heritage conservation. Included among the options is the creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency [4].
• The second theme deals with accountability for those engaged in environmental protection. Among the options is the creation of a dedicated Environmental Unit within the Northern Ireland Audit Office, a public body which scrutinises the work of Government.
• The third theme relates to the provision of expert policy advice to Government and includes an option to create an Environment Commission [5].

The coalition hopes to hear from everyone who has a view on how the environment of Northern Ireland should be protected for present and future generations. Professor Macrory's report and a consultation questionnaire have been sent to Government and local authorities, MPs and Assembly members, farming and business leaders, trades unions, and the voluntary and community sector.'

The consultation period begins today and runs until the end of June. A consultation seminar will be held in May and the report of the consultation exercise will be published in the autumn. The report is available at www.epconsultni.org.uk or by telephoning the coalition secretariat on 028 9031 4944.

Mr Campbell concluded:

"By the autumn, we expect to have a clear and common vision for the future of environmental protection in Northern Ireland which we can propose to Government for action."

Notes

[1] (back) The coalition comprises the following nine environmental organisations:
Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland
Friends of the Earth
National Trust
Northern Ireland Environment Link
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Ulster Wildlife Trust
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Woodland Trust
WWF Northern Ireland

[2] (back) The Macrory Report is published, in full and in summary, at www.epconsultni.org.uk
It is also available in hard copy and on CD from the coalition secretariat: telephone 028 9031 4944.

[3] (back) Professor Richard Macrory CBE
Professor Macrory is a barrister and Professor of Environmental Law at University College, London where he directs the Centre for Law and the Environment. He is a board member of the Environment Agency (England and Wales) and retired as a long serving member of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution in 2003.

[4] (back) Responsibility for the control of pollution, the protection of wildlife and its habitat, and the conservation of built heritage currently lies with Environment and Heritage Service, an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment.

[5] (back) Professor Macrory's options are summarised below.

1. DELIVERY MECHANISMS SURROUNDNG THE CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE SERVICE
Option 1	No change of existing status as an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment.
Option 2	Abandon Executive Agency status and incorporate functions of EHS fully within Department of the Environment.
Option 3	Create a new Environment Authority structured as a non-departmental public body.
Option 4	Create a new Environment Authority structured as a non- ministerial government department.
Option 5	Give local authorities prime responsibility for implementing environmental regulation with EHS (or its replacement body) having enhanced supervisory powers.
2. IMPROVING ACCOUNTABILITY
Assembly Committees
Create a new cross-departmental Sustainable Development Assembly Committee.
Options for Auditing Mechanisms
Option 1	Establish a new independent Environment Audit Commissioner.
Option 2	Strengthen environmental capacity within the NI Audit Office.
Option 3	Create a dedicated Environmental Unit/Commissioner within the NI Audit Office.
3. CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL INDEPENDENT POLICY ADVICE on the ENVIRONMENT
Option 1	Strengthen links with the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
Option 2	Establish a Northern Ireland Commission on the Environment.
Option 3	Establish a Commission on the Environment for the island of Ireland reporting to both Governments.