AQW 350/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/05/2022
Answered On Date: 07/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on a blue carbon action plan for Northern Ireland.

Answer:

As outlined in my Oral Statement to the Assembly on 28 February 2022, my high level vision for the Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan is to provide protection for our blue carbon habitats and where possible, take steps towards their restoration.

My officials are currently coordinating the establishment of Climate and Biodiversity focus groups, comprising of representatives from the fishing industry, renewable energy sector and environmental NGOs. The focus groups plan to meet throughout the second half of 2022, with launch of a public consultation on a co-designed draft Blue Carbon Action Plan in early 2023.