Water
DOE has responsibility for the protection of the aquatic environment through the regulation of water quality, and the conservation of freshwater, marine flora, fauna, and hydrological processes. In performing this duty DOE is required to have regard to the needs of industry and agriculture, the protection of fisheries and the protection of public health.
The development of environmental policy and legislation is the core function of Planning and Natural Resource Division (PNRD). Our work covers the whole range of environmental issues including water and air quality, waste control, habitat and species protection, countryside protection, climate change and GMO's. For information on these topics see “Further Information “ on this page.
PNRD work closely with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, particularly Water Management Unit and Natural Heritage within the DOE who have responsibility for the implementation of legislation and for environmental monitoring. We also liaise closely with the Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in GB, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.
In addition to the above you will find further specific information on the NIEA Water homepage 
*NEW* Read the Marine Planning and Licensing Newletter August 2010
UK Marine Policy Statement – Consultation
The Marine Policy Statement (MPS) is the first step in a new system of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed, and set the direction for marine licensing and other authorisation systems.
The MPS is being developed by UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Executive.
The consultation “UK Marine Policy Statement: A draft for consultation” is now available. The consultation documents include:
- draft Marine Policy Statement
- draft Impact Assessment
- draft Appraisal of Sustainability including a Strategic Environmental Assessment
- draft Habitats Regulation Assessment
You can access the consultation document here.
The consultation will close on 13th October 2010. The Department would welcome your comments on this consultation paper, please send your responses to mps@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Further information on the Northern Ireland Marine Bill and the UK Government Marine bill can be found on the UK Government Marine Bill page
Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals - Consultation *NOW CLOSED*
A consultation document A Northern Ireland Marine Bill Policy Proposals – Consultation Document proposes a framework for Northern Ireland’s seas based on; a new system of marine planning that will balance conservation, energy and other resource needs; a further streamlining of marine licensing above that already provided for in the UK Act and improved processes for marine nature conservation.
The full consultation paper can be found below
Northern Ireland Marine Bill policy Proposals Consultation document (440 KB)  
The Department would welcome your comments on this consultation paper. Details of how to respond are provided in the consultation document. Or can be sent to this address: marineteam@doeni.gov.uk
The consultation period closes on 9 July 2010.
Further information on the Northern ireland Marine Bill and the UK Governments Marine bill can be found on the UK Government Marine Bill page
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