Natural Environment Northern Ireland 2024-04-24
2024-04-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question was prompted by concerns over the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh, which supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural runoff, climate change, invasive species and sewage dumping.
I am concerned about the long-term sustainability of Northern Ireland's natural environment, especially regarding the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh supplying 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. This issue has been caused by agricultural fertiliser run-off, climate change, zebra mussel spread and sewage dumping. Can you provide more information on this issue? Additionally, I have found that your Department and DEFRA have not been willing to work with Stormont to address environmental issues in Northern Ireland. What can you do to improve the situation?
I have been conscious of the condition of Lough Neagh when standing on its shores, a body of water partly devolved in responsibility. Given the lack of an Executive for some time, we are delighted it is back and being carried forward constructively. I will continue to work with Minister Muir without treading on his toes but offering help reasonably. He is dedicated and energetic, and I look forward to him succeeding.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific environmental issues at Lough Neagh and collaborative efforts with Stormont were not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question was prompted by the ongoing ecological disaster at Lough Neagh, a critical water source affected by agricultural run-off, climate change, invasive species and sewage dumping.
I thank the Minister for his response. The issue of the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh has been caused by fertiliser runoff from agriculture, climate change, zebra mussel spread and sewage dumping. Can he provide more information on this matter? In the past, my Department and DEFRA have not shown willingness to work with Stormont to address these environmental issues in Northern Ireland. What concrete steps will be taken?
I have stood on the shores of Lough Neagh and been conscious of its condition. Responsibility for it is devolved, and we did not have an Executive for a period. We are delighted that it is back and being carried forward constructively. I will continue to work with Minister Muir without treading on his toes but offering help reasonably.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific environmental issues at Lough Neagh and collaborative efforts with Stormont were not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question was prompted by discussions on the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh and potential nature-based solutions to address similar issues.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Frank Field left an immense legacy in the field of pensions? He started off as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Maxwell pensioners problem, was then an inspired Minister of State, and has been involved in major debates on pensions. We will miss him. What impact does the Minister think nature-based solutions could have on problems like those we have discussed?
I am grateful for my right hon. and learned Friend's question, agreeing with him on pensions. On nature-based solutions, I would love to have that conversation in the Tea Room as it is not my specialist area, confident Minister Muir would be interested.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific impact of nature-based solutions was not discussed directly.
Change Of Subject
Response accuracy