Investigation into possible failures by DAERA to comply with protected sites laws

Summary

The Office for Environmental Protection has launched an investigation into whether the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has complied with environmental law in relation to the management, monitoring, adaptation and  designation of protected sites in Northern Ireland.

The investigation will examine whether the systems and measures in place are capable of achieving conservation objectives, preventing deterioration and supporting the recovery of protected habitats and species. It will also consider whether pressures on protected sites, particularly nutrient pollution, are being addressed through measures that are appropriately designed, implemented and evaluated.