28/01/2026
Landmark Report Tracks Northern Ireland's Environmental Progress
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has released the inaugural Annual Progress Report on Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
The document evaluates government achievements since the EIP was first launched in September 2024.
The report assesses progress across six Strategic Environmental Outcomes (SEOs), which cover air and water quality, landscape accessibility, biodiversity, sustainable production, waste management, and climate resilience.
Key Achievements in Year One A major milestone highlighted in the report is the introduction of the Outcome Indicator Framework. This new system provides a transparent and consistent method for monitoring environmental changes across all six strategic areas, allowing for clear year-on-year comparisons.
Other specific successes noted include:
- Marine Conservation: 38% of inshore waters are now designated as Marine Protected Areas.
- Habitat Restoration: The successful restoration of 453 hectares of peatland and the creation of over 500 hectares of new woodland.
- Waste Reform: The introduction of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in December 2024 to curb packaging waste.
- Emission Reductions: Greenhouse gas emissions for 2023 fell by 7.1% compared to the previous year, leaving levels 31.5% lower than in 1990.
Ongoing Challenges Despite these gains, the report acknowledges significant hurdles. Water quality remains under pressure due to nutrient issues and a lack of investment in wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, the recovery of biodiversity is not yet moving at the required pace.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir commented: "As Minister, I have consistently championed the need to increase efforts to protect and improve our environment after decades of neglect."
He added: "The publication of our first Annual Progress Report demonstrates that progress has been made across many areas, but it also makes clear that serious challenges remain and there is work still to be done."
The Minister emphasised that lasting improvements would necessitate further funding, stronger governance, and better collaboration across all sectors of society.
"I look forward to considering the Office for Environmental Protection's response and recommendations which are to be provided within six months," Minister Muir concluded.
The progress report is available to view on the DAERA website -
Environmental Improvement Plan for Northern Ireland | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
The document evaluates government achievements since the EIP was first launched in September 2024.
The report assesses progress across six Strategic Environmental Outcomes (SEOs), which cover air and water quality, landscape accessibility, biodiversity, sustainable production, waste management, and climate resilience.
Key Achievements in Year One A major milestone highlighted in the report is the introduction of the Outcome Indicator Framework. This new system provides a transparent and consistent method for monitoring environmental changes across all six strategic areas, allowing for clear year-on-year comparisons.
Other specific successes noted include:
- Marine Conservation: 38% of inshore waters are now designated as Marine Protected Areas.
- Habitat Restoration: The successful restoration of 453 hectares of peatland and the creation of over 500 hectares of new woodland.
- Waste Reform: The introduction of Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in December 2024 to curb packaging waste.
Ongoing Challenges Despite these gains, the report acknowledges significant hurdles. Water quality remains under pressure due to nutrient issues and a lack of investment in wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, the recovery of biodiversity is not yet moving at the required pace.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir commented: "As Minister, I have consistently championed the need to increase efforts to protect and improve our environment after decades of neglect."
He added: "The publication of our first Annual Progress Report demonstrates that progress has been made across many areas, but it also makes clear that serious challenges remain and there is work still to be done."
The Minister emphasised that lasting improvements would necessitate further funding, stronger governance, and better collaboration across all sectors of society.
"I look forward to considering the Office for Environmental Protection's response and recommendations which are to be provided within six months," Minister Muir concluded.
The progress report is available to view on the DAERA website -
Environmental Improvement Plan for Northern Ireland | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.