Northern Ireland’s New Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, Pledges Bold Action on Climate and Agriculture
In Brief:
- Muir assumes leadership of the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, emphasizing policies that benefit both the environment and vital sectors like agriculture and fisheries.
- Muir acknowledges urgent challenges, particularly environmental issues observed on Lough Neagh, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies and recognizing climate change as a budgetary priority.
- Muir assures support for farming and fishing communities, expressing a commitment to reducing carbon footprints, enhancing natural environments, and promoting economic resilience for sustainable growth.
In a significant move towards a sustainable future, Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland’s newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, has outlined his commitment to prioritizing climate and environmental initiatives.
Taking the reins of the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Muir expressed his dedication to implementing policies that not only benefit the environment but also support the crucial agriculture, food, and fisheries sectors, along with rural communities.
Focused Approach
Addressing the diverse responsibilities within DAERA, Muir emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy. “DAERA has an extensive and diverse portfolio, impacting us all.
From protecting and improving our natural environment to animal and plant health, fishing, and forest regeneration, it plays a crucial role in supporting our rural communities,” he stated.
Muir underlined his commitment to collaboration, stating,
“I intend to listen to, engage, and strive to work with stakeholders and partners across all of Northern Ireland. Together, we can achieve a lot.”
Immediate Goals
Highlighting immediate challenges, Muir acknowledged the environmental and agricultural issues facing Northern Ireland.
He, according to Agriland, stressed the importance of finding appropriate responses and working collaboratively to address challenges, particularly referencing the environmental concerns witnessed on Lough Neagh last summer.
“While I am fully committed to protecting our environment and ensuring healthy waterways, we must recognize the time it will take for recovery. There are no quick fixes,” Muir stated, emphasizing the need for a long-term focus.
Climate Change Priority
Recognizing the urgency of climate change, Muir called for prioritizing policies and programs to meet challenging targets for reducing carbon emissions mandated by law.
“It is important that we all recognize climate change as a priority when allocating budgets,” he emphasized.
Support for Farming and Fishing Communities
Expressing solidarity with farming and fishing communities, Muir assured his commitment to working with them to reduce carbon footprints and enhance the natural and marine environment.
He highlighted the sector’s paramount importance to the economy, food security, and environmental obligations.
“I passionately believe that, working in partnership, we can deliver real improvement while also promoting economic resilience, financial sustainability, and a responsive supply chain,” Muir stated.
Addressing Challenges Ahead
Acknowledging the multifaceted challenges, including the impact of bovine TB on farms and the economy, Andrew Muir expressed gratitude for the responsibility and looked forward to collaborating with partners, stakeholders, and the wider community.
“It is a privilege to take on this responsibility, and I look forward to working with partners and stakeholders as well as the wider community as we together join in the goal of safeguarding our environment, addressing climate change, and ensuring our economy can grow sustainably,” he concluded.
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