4 October 2025
SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA has said the Minister faces an uphill battle to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Minister has indicated he will seek Executive support following the latest independent review of environmental governances.
The SDLP is bringing an Opposition Day motion calling on parties to back an independent EPA next Monday, November 10.
West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said:
“The SDLP is strongly supportive of an independent EPA, it was part of New Decade, New Approach, a deal every Executive party signed up to, yet progress has been endlessly delayed through reviews and indecision. That has used up precious time and seriously reduced the chances of getting this over the line before the end of the current mandate.
“The Minister now has just eighteen months to consult, draft and pass legislation. This should have been a priority from day one of the Assembly’s return. The problems facing our environment are clear, and we need an independent EPA to improve environmental governance so that we never again end up in another Lough Neagh situation.
“Minister Muir has said he will seek the support of his Executive colleagues. Next week, the SDLP will use our Opposition time to challenge every party to clearly state their position and back this long-overdue reform. We recently saw a video from Minister Muir on the need for an independent EPA. He’s the one with the power to make it happen, it’s clear what’s needed and the Executive and Minister need to get on with it.”