David Ford MLA, Leader of the Alliance Party

Leading Change in Antrim & Newtownabbey since 1998

 David Ford

Independent Environmental Protection Agency is essential says Ford

11.10.00am GMT Mon 26th Oct 2009

David Ford MLA outside Antrim County Hall. (photo: Michael Carchrie Campbell)

An independent EPA would help us to brand ourselves as a world leader on sustainability and environmental protection.

Following comments from the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group on the wildlife protection strategy, Alliance Leader David Ford has said that creating an Independent Environmental Protection Agency would be the best way to ensure joined-up thinking on green issues.

David Ford who is on the Assembly Environment Committee said: "The best way to ensure that a strong approach to green issues can be taken is if we create an EPA, and that agency is totally independent of the government.

"Self-regulation in relation to environmental protection simply doesn't work. I don't doubt the dedication of the individuals in the current agency, but the structures aren't functioning effectively.

"Creating an independent EPA could also help us better meet our European Union obligations. Northern Ireland has massive potential to grow a strong green economy - An independent EPA would help us to brand ourselves as a world leader on sustainability and environmental protection."

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[Next news story]: Ford says IMC is massive wake up-call (Wed 4th Nov 2009).

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