Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Review of Environmental Governance?

It is a review of the structure, management and resourcing of the publicly funded elements of the environmental governance system in Northern Ireland. It is conducted by an independent review panel of 3 environmental and governance experts. The panel is chaired by Tom Burke, assisted by Sharon Turner and Gordon Bell.

Why was the Review of Environmental Governance set up?

In May 2004, the Coalition for Environmental Protection launched, for public consultation, a report by Professor Richard McCrory, a barrister and professor of environmental law at University College London, entitled Transparency and Trust: Reshaping Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland (this document can be found in the Related Information section of this website). In October 2004, the Coalition published an analysis of the comments received and indicated that the majority of respondents were in favour of the establishment of an independent environment protection body in Northern Ireland. Government was persuaded by the positive responses to the consultation, and agreed to establish an independent review of environmental governance in Northern Ireland.

Who is conducting the review?

The review is conducted by a panel of 3 environmental and governance experts. The panel members are independent of Government. For information on the identity of the panel members, please see the Review Panel section of this website.

When will the panel’s findings be published?

An interim report of the panel’s findings will be issued for public consultation in summer 2006. A final report, recommending the way forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland, will be published at the end of the 12 month review period.

Will members of the public be able to participate in the review?

Yes – members of the public will be able to respond to the consultation on the panel’s interim findings. A limited number of public meetings are also being held. Dates and venues for these meetings can be found on our website.

How can I keep in touch with the progress of the review?

Regular updates will be posted on this website. The site has up to date information on the review, including all its proceedings to date.

Correspondence can be sent to the review panel or secretariat using the details in the Contact Us section of this website.

How can I access papers relating to the review?

All of the relevant papers are available on this website. However, if you have difficulty accessing any of the documents, or you require a hard copy and are unable to print one from your PC, please contact the Review Secretariat using the details in the Contact Us section of this website. The Secretariat will be happy to post you the document you require.

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Scope of the Review Time Frame Review Panel How To Get Involved Meetings Schedule Study Visits Your Views Related Information Message Board	Home > FAQs Frequently Asked Questions What is the Review of Environmental Governance? It is a review of the structure, management and resourcing of the publicly funded elements of the environmental governance system in Northern Ireland. It is conducted by an independent review panel of 3 environmental and governance experts. The panel is chaired by Tom Burke, assisted by Sharon Turner and Gordon Bell. Why was the Review of Environmental Governance set up? In May 2004, the Coalition for Environmental Protection launched, for public consultation, a report by Professor Richard McCrory, a barrister and professor of environmental law at University College London, entitled Transparency and Trust: Reshaping Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland (this document can be found in the Related Information section of this website). In October 2004, the Coalition published an analysis of the comments received and indicated that the majority of respondents were in favour of the establishment of an independent environment protection body in Northern Ireland. Government was persuaded by the positive responses to the consultation, and agreed to establish an independent review of environmental governance in Northern Ireland. Who is conducting the review? The review is conducted by a panel of 3 environmental and governance experts. The panel members are independent of Government. For information on the identity of the panel members, please see the Review Panel section of this website. When will the panel’s findings be published? An interim report of the panel’s findings will be issued for public consultation in summer 2006. A final report, recommending the way forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland, will be published at the end of the 12 month review period. Will members of the public be able to participate in the review? Yes – members of the public will be able to respond to the consultation on the panel’s interim findings. A limited number of public meetings are also being held. Dates and venues for these meetings can be found on our website. How can I keep in touch with the progress of the review? Regular updates will be posted on this website. The site has up to date information on the review, including all its proceedings to date. Correspondence can be sent to the review panel or secretariat using the details in the Contact Us section of this website. How can I access papers relating to the review? All of the relevant papers are available on this website. However, if you have difficulty accessing any of the documents, or you require a hard copy and are unable to print one from your PC, please contact the Review Secretariat using the details in the Contact Us section of this website. The Secretariat will be happy to post you the document you require.