Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) was asked to carry out a review into efforts by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to tackle waste crime in the province, by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan.
The report, published this week, claims that there is an absence of a ‘clear strategic assessment of waste crime in the NIEA’ which it is claimed could impede the overall management of the problem.
CJI has called for a revised strategy for tackling waste crime within the NIEA’s Environmental Crime Unit (ECU) – aligned to wider departmental and agency aims. However, the body has noted that this is likely to be challenging, given budget cuts faced by the Department.
The organisation also recommends conducting a strategic assessment of the waste sector in Northern Ireland, including illegality in the regulated and non-regulated sectors. This should, it claims, incorporate the risk of transfer of waste from and to Northern Ireland.
Strategy
James Corrgian, deputy chief inspector of criminal justice in Northern Ireland, said: “While CJI was satisfied the way the unit was operating did not pose any significant concerns, inspectors have made a number of strategic and operational recommendations designed to strengthen the operation and performance of the unit and its ability to tackle waste crime.
“Environmental crime impacts on all of us. Significant organised waste crime has been found to exist in Northern Ireland with criminals, illegal and unscrupulous operators making significant profits from waste crime and illegal waste disposal.
“These activities mean legitimate businesses cannot compete as their costs are undercut by criminals who do not see enforcement action as a deterrent.
He added: “This review found the work undertaken by staff within the ECU is contributing to securing convictions and the confiscation of money linked to waste crime.
“This type of activity is positive but it must be supported by strong regulation and enforcement. Criminals and illegal operators must be in no doubt that compliance with the law is the priority of the ECU and a key objective of NIEA and the DoE in tackling waste and other environmental crime.”
Commenting on the findings of the report, Mr Durkan added: “The impact of environmental crime on daily life here should not be underestimated, it is not a victimless crime. It threatens our world-class surroundings, our quality of life and our economy.
“That is why, on taking up office, I asked for a root and branch review of all of NIEA’s functions. I specifically invited CJI to independently examine the operation of our crime unit, its performance and its ability to tackle waste crime.
“I note that CJI has recommended that the NIEA enhance its enforcement and regulation activity and develops a more rigorous approach to dealing with environmental crime offenders. Their recommendations mirror my approach and I welcome their suggestions.”
Register for free to comment