Environment Minister Arlene Foster takes stock

Environment Minister Arlene Foster has said that the review of local government, planning, environmental governance, our built and natural heritage, and road safety are issues which touch the life of every citizen in Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “The governance of our community is back where it belongs, in the hands of its own people. I know that we will be faced with many tests. I am also fully aware that the challenges – not least of which will be coming to a satisfactory resolution to the review of public administration - are probably without precedent. But I am not daunted.

“I believe that the subjects my department deals with are not only vital to the creation of a sustainable community, but are also intrinsic to the quality of all our lives, irrespective of where we live or what our political allegiances are.

“I regard it as a privilege to be charged with the responsibility for all of these topics on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland. I will work closely with my colleagues and with all the key stakeholders to build a society which will be an example of good practice on environmental issues – a society which will be attractive to visitors and investors and of which all of us who live here can be proud.”