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Calls for new environment agency | Calls for new environment agency |
(40 minutes later) | |
A call for an environmental protection agency to be set up is being supported by NI politicians and members of the business community. | |
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland that does not have such an independent watchdog. | |
Twenty-one statements of support for an EPA are being issued by the Coalition for Environmental Protection. | Twenty-one statements of support for an EPA are being issued by the Coalition for Environmental Protection. |
Environment Minister Arlene Foster is expected to decide in the next few months if one is to be set up. | |
The agency would assume responsibility for the work currently performed by the DOE's Environment and Heritage Service. | |
The statements were collated by Lisa Fagan of Friends of the Earth. | |
"Although the call to establish an agency came first from the environmental community, the chorus of support is getting louder as the consensus grows that a high-quality environment underpins economic prosperity," she said. | "Although the call to establish an agency came first from the environmental community, the chorus of support is getting louder as the consensus grows that a high-quality environment underpins economic prosperity," she said. |
"Mrs Foster has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our failing system of environmental protection. | "Mrs Foster has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our failing system of environmental protection. |
Environment Minister Arlene Foster is considering the issue | Environment Minister Arlene Foster is considering the issue |
"We hope the endorsements published today will encourage the Minister to introduce the necessary reforms." | "We hope the endorsements published today will encourage the Minister to introduce the necessary reforms." |
Peter Dixon, who is head of Phoenix Gas in Northern Ireland, is one of those supporting the idea. | Peter Dixon, who is head of Phoenix Gas in Northern Ireland, is one of those supporting the idea. |
"The establishment of such an agency would greatly support the Northern Ireland business community by the promotion and communication of environmental best practice. | "The establishment of such an agency would greatly support the Northern Ireland business community by the promotion and communication of environmental best practice. |
"Given that we now govern our own affairs it is time for a fresh start, one which looks to the future with hope." | "Given that we now govern our own affairs it is time for a fresh start, one which looks to the future with hope." |