SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called for action on long overdue promises to address the ecological a biodiversity crisis facing Northern Ireland, including delivery on safeguards for Lough Neagh.
He was speaking after the Assembly backed an SDLP Opposition motion to recognise the crisis at the Lough and call on the DAERA Minister to bring forward legislation to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the end of the Assembly mandate, as agreed as part of New Decade, New Approach.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The formation of an independent, adequately resourced Environmental Protection Agency has been a long established policy position of the SDLP, deeply rooted in our values and environmental ethos.
“A decade ago as Environment Minister I consulted on and attempted to forward proposals for an EPA but was unable to garner the political support to get this through the Executive.
“It’s deeply disappointing that we stand on the precipice of an ecological crisis – Lough Neagh is the apex of that crisis, it’s glowing green algae visible proof of biodiversity breakdown with very little being done to address long standing issues.
“The disaster has put Northern Ireland on the world stage, for all the wrong reasons.
“But rather than serving as the clarion call it should’ve been, we had no Executive in place to act – despite pleas from the SDLP Opposition for political leaders to set aside our differences to work together in the interests of people and environment.
“The inertia and delays of leadership has served to exacerbate the climate crisis.
“As such, the urgency to deliver on the Executive commitment to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency cannot be overstated.
“In order to safeguard our environment effectively, it’s vital that any EPA has enforcement powers and the authority to bring forward prosecutions.
“The power to take immediate and decisive action on this issues will serve as a deterrent and uphold accountability in the protection of our natural resources.
“The glaring failures in this area to date, are unequivocal proof that current structures aren’t working.
“We cannot afford a paper-tiger approach to the ecological crisis.
“Protecting our environment should be a priority for every department and there needs to be ownership of this issue from the entire Executive.
“I look forward to seeing this long promised commitment delivered.”
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