Daera 'possibly failed' to comply with law over wild birds
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) may have failed to comply with environmental law, according to a new report.
It is in relation to special protection areas for at-risk wild birds, such as puffins, whooper swans and light-bellied Brent geese.
An investigation from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) had been previously launched in March 2024, following potential failures to implement recommendations given by a conservation body.
Daera said it welcomes the OEP's work and will be "considering the investigation findings", whilst recognising "that there is much more to do to protect our natural environment and the habitats that wild birds and other wildlife need to survive and thrive".
The OEP has issued Daera with a notice, which they must respond to within two months.
A full response will be delivered by the deadline of 5 August
Helen Venn, the OEP chief regulatory officer has said that the government has a legal obligation to maintain populations of wild birds and ensure they have enough suitable habitat.
Ms Venn said "our investigation has found what we believe to be possible failures to comply with environmental law by DAERA relating to the protection of wild birds".
She noted the decline in wild birds across Northern Ireland, adding that recent studies have placed "a quarter of birds found on the island of Ireland on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List".
The investigation in March 2024 looked into failures to implement recommendations given by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and other conservation public bodies on the classification and adaptation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
A parallel investigation is looking at the same issues relating to England, and information notices have also been issued to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Secretary of State (SoS) and Natural England.
The Office for Environmental Protection, external is a new environmental governance body, which holds the government and other public authorities in England and Northern Ireland to account on their environmental protection and improvement.
It also covers reserved UK-wide matters.
It advises the government and Northern Ireland Assembly on any changes to environmental law.
It has statutory powers to investigate and enforces compliance with environmental law where needed.
That enforcement can include legal action if unresolved through compliance with recommendations.
Department investigated over bird protection areas
Department investigated over ammonia guidance
Bird flu causes 'dramatic decline' in NI seabirds
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Bloomberg
6 hours ago
- Bloomberg
UK Navy Issues Rare Warning to Ships Near Vital Hormuz Strait
The UK Navy issued a rare warning to mariners that higher tensions in the Middle East could impact shipping, including through the Strait of Hormuz. 'UKMTO has been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners,' the advisory said. 'Vessels are advised to transit the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz with caution.'
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Survey finds Fort Regent plans backed by public
Plans to regenerate Fort Regent have been backed by 89% of people who responded to an independent survey on the site. Conducted by research company 4insight, the survey captured feedback from more than 6,000 islanders and visitors, including students from all secondary schools, organisers said. The research explored community perceptions of the proposals to regenerate Fort Regent into a site for leisure, socialising and entertainment. Minister for Infrastructure Constable Andy Jehan said the response to the survey was "remarkable" and showed people were ready "for this transformation". The £110m government proposal includes a 2,500-seat theatre, a 12-lane bowling alley and a six-screen cinema, which would be relocated from the waterfront. There would also be a play area, virtual golf, e-gaming zones and a facility for climbing and bouldering, as well as places to eat and drink. The survey found 89% of people aged 16 and over were satisfied with the proposed new activities at the site. While that figure rose to 94% for people aged between 11 and 16 years old. The survey asked responders to rate some of the planned features out of 10, with the concert hall having the highest rank of 8.7. Improving accessibility was highlighted as a key priority, with 98% of respondents agreeing that better links from town to Fort Regent were important. Some 91% of respondents backed the plans for the site to include a cable car link. "With nearly 90% satisfaction across the board, and even higher among our young people, it shows there is a strong desire for a new era at the Fort," said Jehan. "This vision has been shaped by the community, and it's encouraging to see such widespread support." He added: "We now have a mandate to move forward confidently, creating a vibrant, inclusive and accessible destination that meets the needs of future generations while respecting the fort's historic significance." Concerns were raised about the future of sports clubs currently based at the site at a public meeting hosted by site developers the Jersey Development Company in April. Jehan said he had taken the various concerns raised on board and would be looking for solutions. More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Concerns raised over Fort Regent development plans New £110m redevelopment plans for Fort Regent Fort Regent plans backed by entertainment boss Jersey Development Company States of Jersey
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Changes to Stroud High Street property among plans lodged
A NUMBER of planning applications have been received by Stroud District Council. The following planning applications have been received. Copies can be viewed at Stroud District Council's offices at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB during office hours. The following planning applications have been received. Copies can be viewed at Stroud District Council's offices at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB during office hours. Applications can also be viewed on the Council's website at Key: 1 – Departure from Local Plan; 2 – Affect a Public Right of Way; 3 – Within 10m of relevant railway land; 4 – EIA development with ES; 5 – Listed Building; 6 – Vary or discharge conditions LBC (exterior works); 7 – Affect the setting of a Listed Building, affect the character or appearance of a Conservation Area; 8 – Major Development (Article 2, DMPO); S.25/0620/FUL, Mr Windsor, 49 High Street, Change of use office (Class E) to residential (Class C3) with the addition of rooflights (7). S.25/0614/LBC, Mr Calvert, The Chestnuts, Bisley Old Road, Alterations to fenestration, internal alterations, replacement of dilapidated roofs, rebuild chimney, replacement of greenhouse, replacement of render with lime mortar (5,7). Any representations in respect of the above applications should be made in writing to the above address, via or planning@ no later than 25.06.2025