Environment Policy Statement

Sustainable development is one of the most pressing issues facing Northern Ireland today. It is not purely an environmental issue, but cuts across the boundaries of all government departments, taking in social, economic and environmental aspects. It is not just an issue of resources, but of considering the immediate and long-term impacts of decisions to ensure that today’s development is not taking place at the expense of future generations. This requires real joined-up thinking and actions.

Joined-up government is also needed in other areas related to the environment. Strategies developed by one department, such as the biodiversity strategy, must be taken seriously and implemented by all departments if the necessary outcomes are to be achieved.

Furthermore, departments and agencies must work in partnership with those outside government, particularly on issues such as planning which affect communities directly. All communities have a right to have access to open, green spaces and yet the most disadvantaged often suffer the most in this area. While the advances which are being made in involving communities in planning in some areas are extremely welcome, there is far too little emphasis placed on shared open spaces where there is real community ownership and involvement. The associated advantages in terms of health and well-being and community safety should not be underestimated.

In this context government should:

• Establish a statutory basis for sustainable development which requires government and its various departments and agencies to ensure sustainable development is at the core of all policy and decision making.
• Adopt and implement an agreed set of sustainable development indicators and monitor their progress through regular published reports by all departments.
• Establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency with the power to enforce environmental legislation.
• Establish and fund a National Parks and Open Spaces Agency to champion and develop the economic, social and environmental benefits of parks and open spaces through greater community involvement.
• Require all government properties to use power entirely from renewable sources and increase energy efficiency measures throughout the government estate. Also promote the use of renewable fuels for government vehicles.
• Support the development of more sustainable buildings through financial incentives and incorporation of requirements for the use of renewable energy, high insulation standards, water conservation measures and sustainable building materials into building control regulations.
• Further increase public involvement by giving the public equal rights to intervene in the planning process through the introduction of a third party right of appeal to help address widespread public dissatisfaction with the planning system and put in place a Planning Aid service in Northern Ireland.
• Ensure implementation of and compliance with all international obligations that relate to fresh water and the marine environment.