Environmental plan is largely off track, warns watchdog

The first is effectively addressing nutrient pollution, which is the main cause of the blue-green algal crisis in Lough Neagh.

The report said that pollution by nutrients from agriculture and wastewater was “a longstanding, severe and chronic problem that affects the economy, society and environment”.

And it said tackling nutrient pollution was crucial to achieving the EIP’s targets and outcomes for air, water and land quality, or for nature’s recovery, and climate change.

The second priority area is speeding up action on the circular economy – this approach seeks to keep products in use for as long as possible, reducing waste.

The OEP said this was essential to address the underlying drivers of environmental degradation and nature loss.

And the third priority is ensuring nature’s recovery.

Northern Ireland is regarded as one of the most nature-depleted parts of the world, with 12% of species at risk of extinction.

The OEP said a focus on restoration and nature-positive use of land and sea was key to delivering the EIP’s strategic environmental outcomes.