Archived press release

Criminal justice report boosts call for an environment watchdog

11 October 2007

A report from the Criminal Justice Inspectorate [1], published today, strengthens the case for an independent Environmental Protection Agency Friends of the Earth said. The report highlights a number of failings with the current system and recommends, 'independence of the regulatory function so that enforcement staff are not subject to political and other internal / external pressures'.

Commenting, John Woods Friends of the Earth's Northern Ireland Director said:

"This report is a welcome boost to the campaign for an independent Environmental Protection Agency. The system has failed and tinkering around the edges will not work. We need a bold new authority with the independence and resources necessary to better control pollution, take on the environmental criminals, protect wildlife and their habitats, and conserve our built heritage. Of particular concern is the reference to 'political interference'. In Friends of the Earth's experience certain elected representatives appear to be incapable of judging when it is appropriate to lobby on behalf of constituents and when it is better to simply advise them to obey the law."

Friends of the Earth has been campaigning for an EPA as part of a coalition of 9 organisations since 2004 [2]. The decision whether or not to create an independent watchdog now lies with Environment Minister Arlene Foster.

Mr Woods continued:

"The case for an independent EPA is strong and clear. The Criminal Justice Inspectorate has uncovered a catalogue of failings with the current enforcement regime. DOE staff are good scientists, but they don't have the expertise to conduct a criminal investigation. The structures don't exist to enable effective co-ordinated action; and the regulators aren't sufficiently independent of Government to avoid political interference. The only solution to these problems is a fully resourced, independent Environmental Protection Agency."

Other recommendations include:

• A clear statement of intent on enforcement - an enforcement policy;
• A single enforcement unit to co-ordinate EHS and Planning Service enforcement actions;
• Enforcement of the planning system should remain with central Government rather than go to councils;
• Enforcement staff should receive appropriate training to carry out criminal prosecutions;
• Consider establishing an environmental court; and
• Implement new powers to better enforce the polluter pays principle.

Notes

[1] The report can be found here

[2] The Coalition for Environmental Protection comprises the following nine 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

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust