AQW 34353/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/10/2025
Answered On Date: 11/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail how his Department ensures consistency and fairness in enforcement between agricultural and non-agricultural pollution incidents.

Answer:

My Department’s approach to enforcement is underpinned by the DAERA Enforcement Policy, which includes the principles of proportionality and consistency in relation to the significance of the offence. All reports of water pollution are investigated as potentially criminal offences with appropriate enforcement applied regardless of the business sector involved.