Environment regulator could extend to NI

The independent body that is set to govern environmental regulations in England after Brexit could be extended to NI.

The role of the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) is set out in the UK government’s draft environmental bill which is currently making its way through parliament. OEP will take over various environmental governance roles in England which are currently carried out by EU institutions.

In a letter to a House of Commons committee, DAERA permanent secretary Denis McMahon said that, in the absence of an executive at Stormont, officials have asked for the environment bill to be extended to NI.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson said that officials have sought to include a provision in the bill which would keep the option of extending OEP to NI open. “This decision will be subject to further consideration,” the spokesperson said.