19 February 2026
The SDLP has published an amendment to legislation to establish a independent environmental protection agency (EPA).
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA is bringing forward an amendment to the Administration and Financial Provisions Bill.
This legislation is an omnibus bill which creates a range of legal duties and powers, and may provide the only opportunity to deliver an independent EPA in this mandate.
It will be up to the Assembly Speaker if it proceeds to the Assembly for voting.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O’Toole said:
“Our environment is in crisis and the response from the Executive and DAERA Minister has been unable to deliver meaningful change. You only have to look at Lough Neagh, one of our most precious natural resources, now badly polluted and subject to piecemeal interventions for a problem that will take years, if not decades, to fully repair.
“This extends far beyond Lough Neagh. Many of our rivers and waterways are failing. Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. Poor air quality is contributing to illness and premature death. Our response to the climate emergency has lacked urgency and coordination. If we are serious about turning this around, we need a truly independent environmental protection agency with the authority to enforce the law and hold government to account.
“The DAERA Minister has made clear that he has been unable to secure Executive agreement for an EPA due to blockage from the DUP. Yet there is clear public and Assembly support for stronger, independent environmental oversight. We won’t take a DUP no for answer. That's why the SDLP Opposition is bringing forward an amendment to the Financial Provisions Bill to try to ensure this issue is debated and voted on by the Assembly.
“The scale of the environmental challenges we face demands leadership and no party should be allowed to block necessary reform because of narrow political dogma. The SDLP will do all it can to deliver an independent EPA and we will use every mechanism available to make that happen.”