Michelle McIlveen
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but on enforcement being exercised fairly and consistently. <BR /> <BR />There is widespread concern across Northern Ireland about the condition of many of our lakes and rivers, and there are a vast number of factors that contribute to water quality challenges.”
“Although we support the overall direction of travel, I think that is appropriate to reflect on the concerns that have been raised and ensure that the legislation is proportionate, practical and capable of delivering its intended outcomes.”
“If we are therefore serious about improving our aquatic environment, every source of pollution must be addressed. New legislative powers are meaningful only if the Department has the resources, the expertise and the personnel necessary to implement them effectively.”
“There is, however, a need for accompanying clear guidance and support and for regulatory consistency and prompt decision-making. Delays, uncertainty and excessive bureaucracy will undoubtedly discourage investment and undermine confidence in the sector.”
“Subordinate legislation should not become a substitute for proper democratic accountability. Consultation and engagement must be undertaken before regulations are introduced, and I cannot overstate the need for stakeholder engagement. <BR /> <BR />I will now talk about the Bill's proposed enforcement powers.”
“The DUP broadly welcomes the Bill. As has been said, it provides an opportunity to modernise legislation that, in some areas, has remained largely unchanged for decades. The Bill strengthens the protection of our fisheries, improves the regulatory framework for aquaculture and enhances the management of our water environment.”
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“I thank the Chair for her question. I understand that the Committee anticipates a number of papers from us, and certainly an update on the scoping exercise. As she will understand, it is still really very early days for any work that we are doing. I will be more than happy to share that when I have sight of it, and I will do that as soon as possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The chief executive of the Loughs Agency outlined his initial views on the likely impact of Brexit on the agency's operations. The Loughs Agency, in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, has undertaken an initial scoping exercise to consider the impact of the result of the UK leaving the EU. We were advised by the agency that its approach to Brexit is, as the statement said, very much "business as usual", particularly as formal negotiations have not yet started. EU funding will be a challenge for the Loughs Agency. It has indicated that there will, undoubtedly, be challenges ahead, but it believes that they will not be insurmountable.”
“Following certification of the financial statements by the Comptrollers and Auditors General, these will be laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Irish Parliament. <BR /> <BR />Ministers considered and approved the Carlingford Area (Definition of the Mouth of the Clanrye River) Regulations 2016 and authorised the joint secretaries to the North/South Ministerial Council to signify approval on its behalf. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Council paid tribute to the outgoing chairman of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, Mr Winston Patterson, whose second term of office comes to an end shortly. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next aquaculture and marine sector meeting in spring 2017.”
“Ministers also welcomed the marine tourism initiatives, including the Foyle Maritime Festival and the official opening of the Ark at Benone strand. We also noted the agency's education and outreach activities, including the maritime ambassador programme and the Foyle ambassador project. <BR /> <BR />Ministers considered a paper on the various external funding opportunities that the Loughs Agency is exploring. We noted the Loughs Agency's success to date in securing external funding. The agency's plans to avail itself of future funding initiatives, including the European social fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, INTERREG V and the rural development programme, for the benefit of the Foyle and Carlingford areas were also discussed. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the Loughs Agency's annual report and draft financial statements for 2015.”
“<BR /> <BR />In particular, Ministers noted the agency's nominations for tourism and visitor attraction awards; the progress made on the draft corporate plan 2017-19 and the draft business plan for 2017; the outcome of the internal audit; the update on the survival of the native Lough Foyle flat oyster; and the loss of the agency's survey vessel, the MMV Ostrea. <BR /> <BR />Ministers welcomed the Loughs Agency's role in facilitating discussions with interested parties and undertaking a feasibility study that led to the resumption of the Foyle ferry service from July 2016. <BR /> <BR />The Loughs Agency reported on its activities to promote and market the Foyle and Carlingford areas. In particular, the Council noted the angling development initiatives.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers noted that the Loughs Agency had undertaken an initial scoping exercise to consider the impact of the result of the UK referendum to leave the EU. We noted that the process of exiting the EU is still at an early stage and agreed to review developments at future NSMC meetings in the aquaculture and marine sector. Ministers were encouraged to hear that it is very much business as usual for the Loughs Agency. <BR /> <BR />The Council welcomed a presentation from the Loughs Agency that outlined its work programme and key objectives. It also received a report on the agency's activities, including its ongoing conservation and protection efforts and participation on the North/South fisheries liaison group.”
“With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act regarding the twenty-ninth meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in aquaculture and marine sectoral format, which was held in Armagh on Wednesday 14 September 2016. <BR /> <BR />The Executive were represented by Minister Chris Hazzard and me. The Irish Government were represented by Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and Seán Kyne, the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources. I chaired the meeting. This statement has been agreed with Minister Hazzard, and I am making it on behalf of both of us.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, any illegal dumping needs to be cracked down and addressed with urgency. I am happy to discuss that issue with the Member.”
“I thank the Member for his question on EU funding and, in particular, Horizon 2020. We are continuing to discuss this work with Ministers in the South. As I explained to the Chair, there is an issue with funding coming forward for the INTERREG side of things. However, we are working together to progress Horizon 2020 projects.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I find it unacceptable that it has been going on for so long since they were identified. I pressed the matter at the meeting and expressed my disappointment at the pace of progress on the programme. I would like to see this resolved without unnecessary delay. I understand that the issues are in relation to cost and a lack of capacity for land waste in the Irish Republic. Those two things combined are not helpful, but we have certainly been pushing to get a resolution as quickly as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As she will understand, a piece of research, the unconventional gas exploration and extraction report, has been carried out. This was to give us an evidence base on the issues, specifically in relation to the unique environment in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The report will not be subject to public consultation, but the Department will see it later this year and will be able to take information from it. There was no further discussion of fracking at the meeting.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We will need to look at all those things as we go through the negotiations on the exit programme. In the meantime, that is not something that I will commit to today.”
“I thank the Member for his question. There were originally 17 sites. Twelve have been completed, so there are currently five remaining that sit within the road map agreement. An additional four sites were identified earlier this year: two at Galbally, one at Ballygawley and one at Sandholes. The five remaining sites that are still to be cleared as result of the road map agreement are two at Newtownhamilton, one at Cookstown, one at Crumlin and one at Portglenone.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I do not have that information to hand but am happy to get it to him.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I am obviously still considering the report's recommendations, and if there are any that I feel are worth taking forward, I will consult with Executive colleagues, Committee members and stakeholders. The report makes a number of recommendations, including further expanding our smoke control areas in Northern Ireland; that this expansion takes place alongside policies on energy efficiency; fiscal measures to promote the uptake of low-emission fuels; publishing information and raising awareness of the issue; and, where possible, ensuring that fuel poverty does not arise as an unintended consequence of that policymaking process. As I said, we have received the report and I will consider it.”
“That, in itself, is not insignificant. Between May 2013 and June 2015, the NIEA has overseen five convictions for the illegal depositing of fuel-laundered waste, prosecutions that have secured £25,000 in fines. A further two cases involving fuel-laundered waste are in the courts system. <BR /> <BR />The Member also raised INTERREG and a reluctance to get involved in consortia. I have heard very little about that; only rumours. I am keen to pursue that to see whether there is any truth to it and what we can do to assist. There are obviously partnerships in which non-EU countries are significant partners in consortia. I do not see why the United Kingdom cannot be part of those as we move on.”
“I thank the Member for his questions. I appreciate his previous role and, particularly, the work on fuel laundering. As he will know, HMRC has led on these matters given that it is financially driven crime. My officials have been working well and play a valuable supporting role, along with colleagues in the PSNI, when it comes to determining who has responsibility for dumping waste and pursuing them through the courts accordingly. My officers have also been directly involved in clean-ups of the waste left behind. That is costly and time-consuming. Between June 2012 and April 2016, the NIEA cleared more than 3,141 tons of fly-tipped, fuel-laundered waste from 423 incidents, with the overwhelming majority of the clean-up operations taking place in the border counties of Armagh and Down.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Collaboration is important as we continue in our quest for good water quality across Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. You will be aware of the river basin management plans that have been developed. They have been useful, particularly in areas such as the Shannon area where there are shared waters. We have also been working with our colleagues in the North/South working group on water quality. It meets twice a year and other technical meetings take place. I understand that officials enjoy an excellent working relationship and discuss a number of issues pertinent to water quality. You will also be aware of the beach awards and the work that goes on across both jurisdictions on that and with good outcomes.”
“The Member might also be aware that a further four sites were identified earlier this year: two at Galbally, one at Ballygawley and another at Sandholes. Although they were not part of the original plan, they have been identified as containing waste from the Irish Republic, and we need to continue the conversations with them on the repatriation of that waste.”
“There are issues due to financial constraints and with the Irish Republic's capacity to use its land for the waste. I have been pushing very hard to get this programme completed.”
“I thank the Member for his question. You will be aware of the commitment in the road map agreement with our counterparts in the Republic of Ireland to undertake the repatriation of waste from illegal landfills. In total, 17 sites were identified, with an estimated total of 273,000 tons of waste to be removed. A total of 12 sites have been completed since repatriation began in 2010, and this means that a total of 93,000 tons of waste has been repatriated. However, the five remaining sites are the most significant. As you will understand, this action was initiated after threats from the EU about infractions, so it is important that this waste is repatriated. I would like the repatriation of the waste at the remaining five sites to be completed without unnecessary delay.”
“Nine projects are in the process of applying for INTERREG Va funding, including the large shared waters enhancement and loughs legacy (SWELL) project, which is worth over €30 million and which will upgrade, or build, wastewater treatment works in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. That is where we are with regard to EU funding.”
“However, projects going forward under INTERREG Va, for example, are cross-border in nature and require contributions from the Republic of Ireland. The issue for us is that the Republic of Ireland has been unable to obtain guarantees of EU funding from the European Commission; the funding position is, therefore, unclear. We are continuing to work with them in order to obtain clarity, but the UK position is clear. <BR /> <BR />The environment element of INTERREG Va is €84 million for 2014-2020, €12 million of which is match-funding provided by the two Governments, and €72 million of which is provided by the EU on a roughly 70%/30% split between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is that 30%, which is just over €20 million, that the Republic of Ireland cannot guarantee.”
“I thank the Chair for her question. Yes, we did discuss Brexit. At the meeting, I outlined what the immediate implications were for Northern Ireland. I highlighted that, in the meantime, existing environmental legislation in Northern Ireland will continue to apply as before, as will our current environmental policy and operational practice. I also committed that my officials would continue to cooperate and collaborate with the Republic of Ireland both before and after the UK withdrawal. <BR /> <BR />As the Chair will be aware, the Treasury has said that it will guarantee funding after we leave the EU for projects that rely on EU funds if they secure multi-year EU funding before the exit date, which will probably be in March 2019.”
“I thank the Member for his question. While we had that discussion, it is not my intention to bring a similar ban into Northern Ireland.”
“Ministers recognised the continued coordination on the Clean Coasts and Coast Care schemes and welcomed the level of beach awards in both jurisdictions for 2016. The Council noted the continued engagement between the Department for Infrastructure, DCCAE, Irish Water and Northern Ireland Water on exploring opportunities for cooperation, including on applications to access EU INTERREG V funds. Finally, the Council agreed to hold the next environment meeting in spring 2017.”
“So far, a programme of research has been developed, and 10 projects are ongoing. New project calls in priority areas are likely to commence later this year. <BR /> <BR />I turn now to water quality. Ministers welcomed the establishment of the new Local Authority Waters and Communities Office in the Republic of Ireland. Ministers noted that the public consultation on significant water management issues closed in the Republic of Ireland on 18 December 2015 and that the final second cycle of river basin management plans for Northern Ireland was published on 22 December 2015. <BR /> <BR />Ministers acknowledged the cross-border cooperation on the development of river trusts, including promotion, awareness and community engagement in the cross-border River Blackwater Catchment Trust.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council noted that, in 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency offered funding of over €8 million to a total of 43 projects across a broad spectrum, including climate, water, sustainability and green enterprise, and that its 2016 research call was announced in May 2016. <BR /> <BR />Ministers noted that the report of the NSMC-commissioned all-island air-quality research study has been finalised and presented to relevant Ministers and is available through the DAERA and DCCAE websites. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that a report on phase 1 of the all-island joint research programme into unconventional gas exploration and extraction — fracking — is expected in the latter part of 2016. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the establishment across both jurisdictions of a collaborative evidence programme known as ShARE.”
“That has been accompanied by the introduction in Northern Ireland of legislative measures to reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfill, as well as the introduction of further legislation to discourage criminality in the waste industry. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that the DCCAE-commissioned study on the export of waste from the Republic of Ireland was published in November 2015 and that the consultation period closed on 14 March 2016. <BR /> <BR />Ministers noted developments in the establishment of a producer responsibility initiative (PRI) for tyres in the Republic of Ireland and that DAERA officials continue to attend tyres working group meetings.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers reaffirmed the continuing need to work together and target resources at joint enforcement action against those involved in illegal waste activity. That includes the continued exchange of intelligence and information on problem areas and coordinated joint inspections. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that pay by weight for household waste collections has been introduced in the Republic of Ireland. The publication of the three regional waste management plans in the Republic of Ireland was also noted. Transboundary consultation was undertaken with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in the context of the strategic environmental assessment process associated with the development of the plans. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the continued investment in recycling in Northern Ireland and the latest recycling rate.”
“Ministers agreed that officials should continue to work jointly with all the relevant agencies to tackle the scourge of fuel laundering and its links to organised crime. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that the agreed repatriation programme for 2015-16 has been completed with the removal and repatriation of waste from two illegal waste landfill sites. Site works on the first site, at Altnamackan, were completed in November 2015, and work at the second site, at Mayobridge, was completed in March 2016. Ministers noted that discussions are under way between officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), with a view to agreeing a work programme to complete the remaining repatriation sites.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ministers agreed that, within the work programme, consideration should be given to cooperation on water and sewerage services, as well as to the opportunities for cooperation on wider environmental issues. Ministers also agreed that the proposed updated work programme will be considered at a future NSMC plenary meeting. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that, since the introduction in both jurisdictions of a new fuel marker in April 2015, there has been a decline in reported fly-tipping incidents involving waste from fuel laundering. The Council also noted the number and cost of diesel-laundering waste clean-up operations undertaken by the relevant authorities in border counties.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council also noted that cooperation between both jurisdictions continues on preparations for a package of joint projects with a value in excess of €70 million, covering the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments with the INTERREG Va programme. Ministers noted that the call for proposals under LIFE 2016 opened on 19 May 2016 and recently closed in September 2016. It was expected that a small number of proposals containing projects in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would be submitted. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that the work programme will be kept under review at future NSMC environment meetings, having particular regard to matters arising from the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership.”
“They welcomed the continuing cooperation on the main sources of EU funding in the environment sector: Horizon 2020, INTERREG V and LIFE. Cooperation includes joint meetings of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland contact points, joint training and information events in both jurisdictions and reciprocal access to partner search databases. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that cross-border roadshow events had taken place in April and May 2016 on Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges 2 and 5. An information day for Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 will be hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 7 October 2016.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the twenty-second meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in environment sectoral format, which was held in Armagh on Wednesday 14 September 2016. The statement has been agreed with Minister Hazzard. Chris Hazzard MLA, the Minister for Infrastructure, and I represented the Northern Ireland Executive at the meeting. The Irish Government were represented by Denis Naughten TD, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who chaired the meeting. <BR /> <BR />Ministers had an initial discussion on the implications of the UK EU referendum result.”
“It equates to 33% of the total UK applications and 20% of the UK volume of reduction. There were 892 applications in England, 194 in Wales and 154 in Scotland. The UK submitted the eighth highest number of applications to the EU and the third highest quantity of proposed reduction. The comparison with the Republic of Ireland is that they had the third highest number of applications and the fifth highest quantity. I inform Members that the closing date for the second tranche will be 12 October, so this is a scheme that is ongoing.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Rural Payments Agency has confirmed that there have been 611 applications from Northern Ireland. Production reduction will take place in the period from October to December of this year. That equates to 22% of dairy farms in Northern Ireland. The total volume reduction will equate to 21·37 million litres, which is a 4·17% reduction compared with last year.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am content to facilitate any meeting, but he and the House need to recognise that much of what NIEA does and what it implements is on the basis of European directives. We need to be clear on that and the flexibility around it.”
“Hopefully, we will work towards that and there will be a positive outcome for everyone. I am not sure whether the Member has a particular issue or example in relation to that, but I am happy to discuss it with him.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, there are ongoing discussions with regard to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and farmers. You will be aware that the Ulster Farmers' Union and NIEA are looking to reach a memorandum of understanding (MOU).”
“In the short term, they are better off. In the long term, there would be absolutely no guarantee that they were going to be better off even if we remained in the European Union. It is very early days, and I cannot forecast that.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The current situation is positive, as he would have noted in my response to the question from Ms Sinéad Bradley. Exports are much more competitive as a result of the euro/sterling exchange rate. Sheep prices and cattle prices have increased, as have pig prices, over the last year. You will also be aware of the basic payment increase of 16·5% on last year, which accounts for an extra £39 million to the Northern Ireland economy.”
“She might be aware of the sustainable land use strategy, which is being developed by John Gilliland and an independent group, and I am looking forward to receiving that within the next month to six weeks.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Obviously, Northern Ireland is making good progress with regard to reducing its emissions. The latest greenhouse gas inventory, which was published in June 2016, shows a reduction of 17·4% from 1990 levels. We are also on target to meet the targets set by the previous Programme for Government, including a reduction of 35% on 1990 levels by 2025. <BR /> <BR />The Member will also be aware that I launched the implementation plan to reduce emissions in the agri-food industry last week, so we are working towards the implementation of that. There is also considerable work being done, particularly in the farming sector.”
“I thank the Member for her question. At this stage I have not had any discussions directly, but I am more than content to do so.”
“I have given the environment groups a commitment that their voices will not be lost either and that there will be appropriate engagement with myself and my officials on the environmental side. So, I have considered that, but I did not feel that this particular group was the best place for their voice to be adequately heard.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I recognise that there is that gap, but this particular group is the agri-food and environment consultative group. I was very much aware that rural groups were not included, but I did not feel that this group was appropriate for them. I have met with the rural groups and have given them my assurance that they will be involved in the conversation, but there is probably a more appropriate forum for them to have a conversation with me and my officials. It was the same with the environment side. The Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the representative, as an umbrella group, for the environment sector, but the group is weighted to the agri-food side.”
“I thank the Member for his question. They were all relevant from my side. They are: the Agri-Food Strategy Board, the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association, Dairy UK Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association, Environment Link, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association and the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association. I also had David Dobbin represented, who is an EU agricultural task force member. Moy Park was also represented on that committee.”
“I found that that was a useful project, and I know that communities and schools felt that it was of value.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, it has had an impact across Northern Ireland. In previous years, a challenge fund was run by the former Department of the Environment, and this was really to look at enabling schools and community groups to support and deliver small-scale projects to improve the local environment and to provide environmental education. A number of groups have benefited from the fund in the past. The Mornington Community Project received £8,000 spend. The Greater Village Regeneration Trust received £7,454, and Windsor Women's Centre received £7,998. That was a total of £23,452·83. I am considering our options around launching a challenge fund for this year. I am looking at that alongside the priorities for expenditure.”