Ministerial foreword

As Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, I am pleased to outline my main environmental priorities in this edition of the Environment Ireland Yearbook for 2026.

We are at a critical moment for the environment – not only here on the island of Ireland but across the world. With this in mind, I have set out my key areas of focus, particularly around climate change and improving our natural environment.

The challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts and halting and reversing biodiversity loss are significant. It is essential we shape the right environmental policies now and take urgent action.

Efforts to tackle climate change and address biodiversity loss must be coupled with investment in science and research as well as innovation and knowledge transfer. These are key enablers to support delivery of my environmental priorities.

Tackling climate change together

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time with the devastating impacts of climate change evident across the world. However, the actions needed to address climate change present a major opportunity, not only to create a more resilient, healthy and prosperous society but to unlock new economic opportunities. There is a collective need across the island of Ireland to embrace this challenge.

In Northern Ireland we are delivering on the requirements of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. We have set interim emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2040 alongside our first three carbon budgets covering the period 2023-2037 that will chart our progress to net zero in a fair and gradual way. We have also recently published the first draft of our five-yearly Climate Action Plans (CAP). The first draft CAP sets out Northern Ireland’s approach to meeting our first carbon budget for 2023 to 2027 and also establishes a pathway towards the interim targets for 2030 and 2040 and the achievement of our overall target of net zero by 2050.

Whilst achieving this is challenging and requires transformation in the public services we deliver, significant opportunities exist and should be grasped from decarbonisation and green growth.

Protecting our natural environment

While the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 continues to focus attention on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland, urgent attention is also required to address the equally important issue of biodiversity loss. The climate, biodiversity and ecological crises are closely interlinked and must be tackled together.

Northern Ireland’s Nature Restoration Strategy to 2032 is being developed to articulate a vision and framework to guide action around halting and reversing biodiversity loss. The Strategy will support the restoration of a diverse and thriving natural environment as we work towards meeting our commitments under the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity.

Following consultation and publication, we will need collective commitment over the lifespan of the strategy to put Northern Ireland’s natural environment in a better place than it is today.

Water quality

Tackling pollution and improving water quality remains one of my key priorities. Regrettably, there are no quick fixes and it will take time to reverse the existing damage to our water environment. The scale of the challenge is evidenced by the distressing scenes of blue-green algae at Lough Neagh.

The rollout and ongoing delivery of the 37 actions in the Lough Neagh Action Plan, 14 of which have already been delivered, and 22 are in progress, and 1 remaining to be progressed, demonstrates my commitment to finding solutions that allow us to reverse this situation. I am determined to put the Lough and other water bodies across Northern Ireland firmly on the path to recovery.

In 2025, the Department has made good progress with measures to help deliver enhanced water quality by publishing the third Cycle River Basin Management Plan in June. This plan sets out an integrated approach for the protection, improvement, and sustainable use of the water environment for the period 2021-2027. Officials have also commenced work on the development of the 4th Cycle River Basin Management Plan. The consultation on the timeline and work programme for the 4th cycle was launched in July 2025.

It is essential that we increase our collaborative efforts and form effective partnerships to achieve improved water quality. Through unified action and a collective urgency, we can ensure a healthier water environment for future generations.
Supporting a sustainable, resilient and productive agri-food sector

Agriculture in Northern Ireland has a significant role economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. It is important that we support a sustainable agri-food industry an environmentally sustainable way. The Sustainable Agriculture Programme has a number of measures that are helping farm businesses to improve efficiency and deliver for the environment. These include the groundbreaking Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme and the Suckler Cow Scheme which are already in operation. In addition, the first phase of the Farming with Nature Package, launched in June 2025, aims to support farm businesses to deliver enhanced environmental benefits from their land.

Environmental governance

I am absolutely committed to strengthening environmental governance in Northern Ireland. I appointed an independent panel to lead a review of environmental governance in Northern Ireland and, following significant stakeholder engagement, the panel published its interim report in June 2025. I look forward to seeing the panel’s final report soon and after considering its findings, I plan to present my proposed way forward to the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Environmental Improvement Plan (or EIP) for Northern Ireland was approved by the Executive and published in September 2024 and forms the basis for significantly improving our natural environment. Implementation of the EIP is ongoing and in January 2026, the first Annual Progress Report will presented to the Assembly. This report will include an analysis of what action has been taken and a review of progress to date.

Looking to the future

Every part of society – from businesses to individuals – has a role in tackling both the immediate and long-term consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss. But our actions must be fair, balanced and inclusive. By working together, I believe we can meet these challenges and build a healthier, more sustainable, and brighter future for everyone.

Andrew Muir MLA

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs