06/02/2026
Just Transition Commission Move Towards Formal Establishment
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that draft regulations to establish an independent Just Transition Commission will shortly be presented at Stormont for debate.
The move follows agreement from the Executive to proceed with the formal structure of the body.
The Commission's primary objective is to oversee the implementation of "just transition" provisions within the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It will act in an advisory and oversight capacity, ensuring that government policies to reduce emissions are fair and inclusive, and that no sector or community is left behind during the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Reflecting on the milestone, Minister Muir said: "Today is a critical step towards ensuring that Northern Ireland has the structures in place to address both the challenges and opportunities connected with climate action. At all times, we must ensure that this is done in a way that is inclusive, fair and sustainable.
"The establishment of a Just Transition Commission will be essential to delivering on this ambition. Through its oversight and advisory role, it will help ensure that departments design and bring forward decarbonisation policies that ensure nobody is left behind."
The Commission will consist of representatives from across several sectors. While the 2022 Act mandates inclusion from academia, youth groups, civic society, trade unions, fisheries, agriculture, and the environment, DAERA has proposed additional representation from the energy, transport, rural, and green finance sectors to broaden the expertise available.
Similar commissions are already operational in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to guide their respective transitions. The draft regulations for Northern Ireland's body were informed by a ten-week public consultation involving 12 engagement events, which showed strong support for the initiative.
Minister Muir added: "The progression of these Regulations to the Assembly is an important milestone on this journey and I look forward to further constructive discussion and debate through our Assembly scrutiny process."
The move follows agreement from the Executive to proceed with the formal structure of the body.
The Commission's primary objective is to oversee the implementation of "just transition" provisions within the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It will act in an advisory and oversight capacity, ensuring that government policies to reduce emissions are fair and inclusive, and that no sector or community is left behind during the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Reflecting on the milestone, Minister Muir said: "Today is a critical step towards ensuring that Northern Ireland has the structures in place to address both the challenges and opportunities connected with climate action. At all times, we must ensure that this is done in a way that is inclusive, fair and sustainable.
The Commission will consist of representatives from across several sectors. While the 2022 Act mandates inclusion from academia, youth groups, civic society, trade unions, fisheries, agriculture, and the environment, DAERA has proposed additional representation from the energy, transport, rural, and green finance sectors to broaden the expertise available.
Similar commissions are already operational in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to guide their respective transitions. The draft regulations for Northern Ireland's body were informed by a ten-week public consultation involving 12 engagement events, which showed strong support for the initiative.
Minister Muir added: "The progression of these Regulations to the Assembly is an important milestone on this journey and I look forward to further constructive discussion and debate through our Assembly scrutiny process."
Latest Northern Ireland News
06 February 2026
RUC Investigation Into 1975 Murder Of Bertie Frazer 'Failed' Family
A Police Ombudsman report has concluded that the original RUC investigation into the 1975 murder of Bertie Frazer failed his family. Published on Thursday, 5 February 2026, the findings by former Ombudsman Marie Anderson describe the surviving archive material as a "stark example of limited police record management.
RUC Investigation Into 1975 Murder Of Bertie Frazer 'Failed' Family
A Police Ombudsman report has concluded that the original RUC investigation into the 1975 murder of Bertie Frazer failed his family. Published on Thursday, 5 February 2026, the findings by former Ombudsman Marie Anderson describe the surviving archive material as a "stark example of limited police record management.
06 February 2026
Yellow Weather Warning For Heavy Rain Issued Across NI
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across Northern Ireland, with heavy and persistent rainfall expected to bring the risk of flooding and travel disruption through to late Friday night. The warning covers all counties across Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone.
Yellow Weather Warning For Heavy Rain Issued Across NI
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain across Northern Ireland, with heavy and persistent rainfall expected to bring the risk of flooding and travel disruption through to late Friday night. The warning covers all counties across Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone.
06 February 2026
QUB Set To Host More Than 60 NI Science Festival Events
Queen's University Belfast will stage more than 60 talks, workshops and interactive activities during the NI Science Festival from 10–22 February, highlighting research, education and community partnerships as the university marks its 180th year.
QUB Set To Host More Than 60 NI Science Festival Events
Queen's University Belfast will stage more than 60 talks, workshops and interactive activities during the NI Science Festival from 10–22 February, highlighting research, education and community partnerships as the university marks its 180th year.
06 February 2026
PSNI Responds To Ombudsman Report On Murder Of Bertie Frazer
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a response to the Police Ombudsman's report into the murder of Bertie Frazer. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, of the Justice Branch, said: "Bertie Frazer was an innocent father of nine children murdered in a sickening, sectarian attack.
PSNI Responds To Ombudsman Report On Murder Of Bertie Frazer
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a response to the Police Ombudsman's report into the murder of Bertie Frazer. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, of the Justice Branch, said: "Bertie Frazer was an innocent father of nine children murdered in a sickening, sectarian attack.
06 February 2026
Three Arrested Following £25,000 Drug Seizure in Magheramason
Police in Derry City & Strabane arrested three people and seized suspected Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £25,000 following an incident in Magheramason on Thursday night, 5 February. Officers from the Local Policing Team were on patrol on the Victoria Road when they observed a vehicle overtaking other cars.
Three Arrested Following £25,000 Drug Seizure in Magheramason
Police in Derry City & Strabane arrested three people and seized suspected Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £25,000 following an incident in Magheramason on Thursday night, 5 February. Officers from the Local Policing Team were on patrol on the Victoria Road when they observed a vehicle overtaking other cars.
06 February 2026
New Digital Proficiency Course Launched to Boost Online Safety
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially launched a new online Digital Proficiency Course designed to educate pupils, parents, and teachers on the importance of staying safe online. Delivered through the Safer Schools NI platform, the course provides practical tools and knowledge to help young people navigate digital spaces.
New Digital Proficiency Course Launched to Boost Online Safety
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially launched a new online Digital Proficiency Course designed to educate pupils, parents, and teachers on the importance of staying safe online. Delivered through the Safer Schools NI platform, the course provides practical tools and knowledge to help young people navigate digital spaces.
06 February 2026
Justice Minister Clarifies Court Listing Process Following Online Speculation
Justice Minister Naomi Long has dismissed social media claims of a data breach within her department regarding the publication of online court lists. The Minister moved to clarify the situation following what she described as "misconceptions and outright inaccuracies" appearing online.
Justice Minister Clarifies Court Listing Process Following Online Speculation
Justice Minister Naomi Long has dismissed social media claims of a data breach within her department regarding the publication of online court lists. The Minister moved to clarify the situation following what she described as "misconceptions and outright inaccuracies" appearing online.
06 February 2026
PSNI Appeal For Information In Tradesman Fraud Investigation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued an appeal for information after a 34-year-old man was charged with fraud by false representation linked to reports involving tradespeople. The man was arrested on Wednesday 4 February and subsequently charged. He is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday 26 February.
PSNI Appeal For Information In Tradesman Fraud Investigation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued an appeal for information after a 34-year-old man was charged with fraud by false representation linked to reports involving tradespeople. The man was arrested on Wednesday 4 February and subsequently charged. He is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday 26 February.
06 February 2026
Just Transition Commission Move Towards Formal Establishment
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that draft regulations to establish an independent Just Transition Commission will shortly be presented at Stormont for debate. The move follows agreement from the Executive to proceed with the formal structure of the body.
Just Transition Commission Move Towards Formal Establishment
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that draft regulations to establish an independent Just Transition Commission will shortly be presented at Stormont for debate. The move follows agreement from the Executive to proceed with the formal structure of the body.
06 February 2026
Communities Minister Launches 10-Year Strategy To Combat Fuel Poverty
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled a long-term, cross-government plan aimed at eradicating fuel poverty over the next decade. Launching the 'Warm Healthy Homes: A Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Strategy 2026-2036' during a visit to a home in Belfast, the Minister confirmed the strategy has received full Executive backing.
Communities Minister Launches 10-Year Strategy To Combat Fuel Poverty
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled a long-term, cross-government plan aimed at eradicating fuel poverty over the next decade. Launching the 'Warm Healthy Homes: A Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Strategy 2026-2036' during a visit to a home in Belfast, the Minister confirmed the strategy has received full Executive backing.
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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.