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26/03/2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
A newly published report on Water Quality in Northern Ireland's Rivers and Lakes from the Northern Ireland Audit Office, revealed that in 2021 less than one-third of rivers and only 14% of lakes in Northern Ireland had good ecological status, representing no improvement in river quality and a diminished improvement in lake quality since 2015.
This ultimately means that the European targets for improving water quality in Northern Ireland's rivers and lakes by 2027 will not be met.
South Antrim MLA, John Blair, said: "This new report echoes many of the facts the Rivers Trust report outlined just a few weeks ago. How many more reports do we need to understand the severity of the issue?
"It perfectly highlights our failures by contrasting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Approximately twice as many rivers and lakes in the Republic of Ireland achieved good or, in some cases, better ecological status than in Northern Ireland. "I recently questioned the new Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister on these issues and was glad to hear that he intends to bring a new Environmental Improvement Plan to the Executive for consideration in the coming weeks. Such a plan should be a significant step forward in restoring our natural environment, including our water quality in particular, to reduce the chances of experiencing yet another blue-green algal bloom crisis within Lough Neagh and across the entire catchment area.
"There is no doubt, however, that cross-departmental efforts are required if we are to address these issues seriously. Every policy and practice must be on the table for review, as we clearly cannot continue with the status quo any longer. The consequences of failing to act on these issues in the past number of years are clearly evident as our natural environment continues to decline before our eyes.
"Further inaction is simply not an option, and we all have a role to play in fixing our rivers and lakes. The proposals put forth by our new DAERA minister are an encouraging step in the right direction for our future."
A newly published report on Water Quality in Northern Ireland's Rivers and Lakes from the Northern Ireland Audit Office, revealed that in 2021 less than one-third of rivers and only 14% of lakes in Northern Ireland had good ecological status, representing no improvement in river quality and a diminished improvement in lake quality since 2015.
This ultimately means that the European targets for improving water quality in Northern Ireland's rivers and lakes by 2027 will not be met.
South Antrim MLA, John Blair, said: "This new report echoes many of the facts the Rivers Trust report outlined just a few weeks ago. How many more reports do we need to understand the severity of the issue?
"It perfectly highlights our failures by contrasting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Approximately twice as many rivers and lakes in the Republic of Ireland achieved good or, in some cases, better ecological status than in Northern Ireland. "I recently questioned the new Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister on these issues and was glad to hear that he intends to bring a new Environmental Improvement Plan to the Executive for consideration in the coming weeks. Such a plan should be a significant step forward in restoring our natural environment, including our water quality in particular, to reduce the chances of experiencing yet another blue-green algal bloom crisis within Lough Neagh and across the entire catchment area.
"There is no doubt, however, that cross-departmental efforts are required if we are to address these issues seriously. Every policy and practice must be on the table for review, as we clearly cannot continue with the status quo any longer. The consequences of failing to act on these issues in the past number of years are clearly evident as our natural environment continues to decline before our eyes.
"Further inaction is simply not an option, and we all have a role to play in fixing our rivers and lakes. The proposals put forth by our new DAERA minister are an encouraging step in the right direction for our future."
Latest Irish News
26 March 2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
26 March 2024
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
26 March 2024
Casement Park Redevelopment 'Must Be Delivered'
The redevelopment of Casement Park "must be delivered", SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, has said following a meeting with an Ulster GAA delegation at Stormont.
Casement Park Redevelopment 'Must Be Delivered'
The redevelopment of Casement Park "must be delivered", SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, has said following a meeting with an Ulster GAA delegation at Stormont.
26 March 2024
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
21 March 2024
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Announces Resignation
Ireland's Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced that he will stand down as prime minister with immediate effect and leader of Fine Gael as soon as his successor is selected.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
21 March 2024
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
14 March 2024
'Plan Ahead' For St Patrick's Day Events This Weekend
Belfast City Council has outlined traffic and travel arrangements ahead of this Sunday's St Patrick's Day event in Belfast. A number of traffic diversions will be in place in and around Belfast city centre. Visitors and participants are advised to plan their journey in advance and leave extra time to travel to and from the city centre.
'Plan Ahead' For St Patrick's Day Events This Weekend
Belfast City Council has outlined traffic and travel arrangements ahead of this Sunday's St Patrick's Day event in Belfast. A number of traffic diversions will be in place in and around Belfast city centre. Visitors and participants are advised to plan their journey in advance and leave extra time to travel to and from the city centre.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.