A range of measures to strengthen and modernise environmental regulation in Northern Ireland have been announced following the launch of the new Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The body, which will replace the former Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), was unveiled by new environment minister Sammy Wilson on 1 July 2008, where he pledged it would be better equipped to provide clear guidance to companies and crack down on waste crime.
In particular, Mr Wilson said that £2 million would be invested over the next three years, 40 new jobs created to help business comply with environmental regulation and that there would be an Environmental Crime Unit to tackle serious environmental offences. He added, "Through its Better Regulation for a Better Environment programme the NIEA will support businesses by providing clearer guidance, better information and a simpler permitting process. These are significant changes to take away the mountains of paperwork and replace them with sensible, streamlined measures such as online applications and payments."
The Environmental Crime Unit will tackle serious offences and persistent offenders, building on the experience and inter-agency partnerships in the specialised team established to tackle waste crime. Since 2003, that team has investigated 5,779 incidents, secured 299 convictions resulting in over £670,000 in court fines, 13 prison sentences and 4 confiscation orders. The NIEA also plans to be more transparent by appointing independent board members, holding board meetings in public and producing information leaflets explaining the environmental and economic benefits of the new Agency.
The post of NIEA chief executive is yet to be decided and will be the subject of an open competition which will be advertised over the coming months.
