AFBI Freshwater scientist, Faye Shiels with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured at the handover of the research vessel SALAR in Ballyronan Marina.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has marked his first year in office with a renewed commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with the continued success of Northern Ireland's vital agri-food sector.
A number of key decisions have been taken in the first year that aim to protect our environment, enhance the sustainability of our agriculture sector, meet our climate change obligations and improve animal welfare.
Speaking of his first year, Minister Muir said:
“It’s an enormous privilege to serve as Minister. I took on the job one year ago knowing the scale of the challenge and with a guiding mission to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. I am glad to have achieved progress in a number of really important areas.
"I am firmly committed to travelling a journey of change together with others to improve our environment, secure a successful and sustainable future for agriculture, reduce emissions, strengthen rural communities and improve animal welfare.
"I know that the challenges are substantial, demonstrated most starkly by the ecological and biodiversity crisis at Lough Neagh. The path ahead will continue to require tough decisions and strong leadership but I don’t shy away from that as people deserve nothing less”.
The Minister said he was proud of achievements so far, including:
The Lough Neagh Action Plan, containing 37 recommendations to improve water quality, with 10 already delivered and many others underway.
Publication of Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan
Launch and continued delivery of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme
Progressing the climate change agenda with the setting of Carbon Budgets and the 2040 emissions target, Public Body Reporting regulations made and consulting on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission.
Introduced Pet Abduction offences and legislation to implement public safeguarding measures for XL Bully type dogs
PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef attained
£3.5million Fisheries Grants support to support the resilience of the fisheries sector.
2200 rural community organisations and micro businesses have received £7.9m through a range of initiatives.
Reflecting on the year ahead, Minister Muir said:
“The priority is to continue delivery and tackle a number of challenging and long standing issues such as ammonia and bTB with good groundwork now in place.
“In addition to that, I hope to publish our first Climate Action Plan and the Green Growth strategy, as well as rolling out schemes under the newly named Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
“I will also continue work on strengthening environmental governance arrangements and putting in place a new policy to aid rural communities in Northern Ireland.
The Minister confirmed that he wants to put a sharp focus on strengthening animal welfare in Northern Ireland:
“This includes focusing on progressing a range of policies such as Lucy’s Law to ban third party sale of puppies and kittens, and outlawing the use of adverse training devices such as shock collars”
Concluding Minister Muir said:
“I remain deeply committed to delivering across the full remit of my Department together with others.”