Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Andrew Muir has said that a stakeholder group will be appointed to examine proposals for the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) in Northern Ireland.
The minister made the comments today (Monday, June 30) as he issued an update on the ongoing public consultation for the revised NAP.
“The Nutrients Action Programme, was introduced 18 years ago to fulfil our legal requirement to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources, with much good work undertaken to date by farmers,” Minister Muir said.
“The legally required NAP review is an important opportunity to shape the actions we can take together over the next four years,” he added.
NAP
Minister Muir said that “it is vital we take further actions to improve water quality in our rivers, lakes and loughs”.
“I am firmly committed to delivery of the Lough Neagh Action Plan and Programme for government commitments, and in doing so, an urgent and collective endeavour is critical,” he said.
The minister said that when the public consultation on the updated NAP closes at 11:59p.m. on July 24, 2025, DAERA will set up “a timebound stakeholder task and finish group”
This group will include an external facilitator and representatives from farming, agri-food, environmental groups and the department.
“Working collaboratively and taking into account the consultation responses, plus any other potential solutions, the group will be asked to propose measures and actions, that are evidence-based and workable at farm level within realistic timeframes, as well as meeting legislative requirements,” Muir said.
The minister also said that as part of this process a draft Economic Impact Assessment will be prepared on the revised proposals.
A further eight-week public consultation will then be carried out on the updated proposals and the draft Economic Impact Assessment.
Minister Muir reiterated that he “will work with everyone as part of the current NAP review and that no final decisions have been taken”.
“I extended the original public consultation period to give interested parties more time to consider the complex proposals and previously outlined my commitment to establishing a focused stakeholder group to help inform the way ahead.
“I have also made clear that some of the draft measures will of course require funding support and officials within my department are considering how we can meet that need in the time ahead.
“Following the work of the focused stakeholder group, I also intend to undertake a further eight-week consultation, in the spirit of openness and transparency, to give the public and wider stakeholders an opportunity to provide views on any updated proposals, before taking my final decisions on the updated NAP to the Executive for agreement,” he said.
Minister Muir encouraged anyone who has not yet responded to the NAP public consultation to do so.
“We are also providing further clarification on the DAERA website in response to issues raised during the consultation process.
“I am determined that we chart a way forward together to protect and improve our environment and support sustainable and successful farm businesses,” he said.
