A panel reviewing environmental governance in Northern Ireland has recommended the creation of a new independent environmental watchdog to improve oversight and accountability.

The report, launched on Tuesday by panel members Dr Viviane Gravey, Diane Ruddock and John McCallister, calls for the regulator to operate independently of government as a Non-Departmental Public Body. It would have oversight of key environmental areas including air and water quality, waste management, nature and biodiversity, and the marine environment. The panel said the exact scope of its powers would need to be determined.

Dr Viviane Gravey, chair of the panel, said the report is a “call to action” in response to mounting pressures on Northern Ireland’s environment. She said governance reform and greater independence for the regulator are essential to address the climate and nature crises.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir welcomed the recommendations and confirmed his support for establishing the independent regulator. He said he would take a paper to the Executive and brief the Assembly on next steps in the coming weeks.

The panel also recommends the regulator be supported by an advisory committee, have the power to enforce compliance through civil sanctions, and ensure all public authorities cooperate with its work. Other proposals include publishing a clear map of environmental governance and creating an Environmental Audit Committee in the Assembly to strengthen oversight.

The report draws on public consultations, stakeholder engagement, and evidence from regulators and regulated parties across the UK and Ireland.

Read the Review of Environmental Governance NI Full Report (October 2025) below.