Poots announces new marine proposals

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced new proposals designed to create a robust framework for Northern Ireland’s marine environment.

Speaking in the Assembly on the launch of the public consultation entitled “A Northern Ireland Marine Bill – Policy Proposals”, Mr Poots said: “There is an inescapable need to manage our seas in a more sustainable way to maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits. I am determined to achieve this by delivering a completely new strategic system of marine planning”

“This consultation will bring us closer to introducing a Northern Ireland Marine Bill founded on the principles of sustainable development”.

The Minister said that the launch of this consultation was another major step in the process.

The Minister continued: “By pursuing a close collaborative approach with others who have marine responsibilities, integration will be achieved. This new, integrated system will direct all decision-makers and users towards more efficient, sustainable use and protection of our marine resources. Northern Ireland is on target to have a marine plan in place for Northern Ireland in 2014.”

The Minister urged everyone with an interest in the marine environment to submit their views. He emphasised that all responses would be given careful consideration.

Notes to editors

1. Northern Ireland’s Marine Programme aims to deliver sustainable management and development of the seas through three interlocking pieces of legislation: the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009; the transposition of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive; and the proposed Northern Ireland Marine Bill.

2. Several key provisions in the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 apply to Northern Ireland. These will be enhanced by provisions in the proposed Northern Ireland Marine Bill and introduced to the Assembly in 2011.

3. Three strands for the better management of our marine environment are put forward in the consultation paper.

(1) A new framework for marine planning which will: provide greater certainty for marine developers and users; maximise the social, economic and environmental value of the marine resource; and ensure sustainability.

(2) The proposed Bill sets out proposals to reduce the regulatory burden on developers by further streamlining and modernising the marine licensing and consents system.

(3) The paper also sets out proposals for a new national designation regime that would further protect and enhance Northern Ireland’s marine wildlife and habitats.

4. The consultation will be available on the DOE website at from 13 April 2010. The public consultation on the policy proposals for a proposed Northern Ireland Marine Bill will run for 12 weeks and close on 9 July 2010.

5. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Environment’s Press Office on 028905 40003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.