Author: Kate Livingston

Urgent action is required to prevent further repeats of fish kills after a reported incident at Three Mile Water, South Antrim MLA John Blair has said.

 

The Environment spokesperson was speaking after requesting agreement from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to investigate the incident, which took in his South Antrim constituency.

 

It is not yet clear how many fish have been killed in the river at Three Mile Water, but it has been described as “substantial” by a local conservation organisation. The incident is believed to have been caused by pollution, and water users have been discouraged from removing any dead fish encountered.

 

“I will continue to press the Department to conduct a detailed investigation into occurrences of major fish kills in Northern Ireland,” said Mr Blair.

 

“I will work to ensure the Department examines the frequency of these, the extent of damage to our vital natural habitat and ecosystems, as well as the legal outcomes and if these are proportionate to the damage caused. While such outcomes are of course a matter for the courts, it is understandable the Department should consider whether penalties are perceived as a deterrent.”

 

“These latest incidents are particularly worrying – I will continue to encourage the statutory agencies to work with communities, anglers and conservationists to help protect our rivers, and the valuable natural life and resource they provide.”

 

Following an eight-week public consultation, which received 18,425 responses, analysis shows there is an overwhelming support for an outright ban on hunting with dogs in Northern Ireland.

The consultation was carried out on proposals being brought forward by John Blair MLA, to introduce a Private Member’s Bill to implement a ban on the hunting of wild mammals, including deer, foxes, rabbits, hares and mink with dogs; to ban trail hunting; to place limits on flushing with dogs and to ban ‘terrier work’.

The results of the consultation by the Alliance Party found 78.16% of respondents were in favour of the proposed law protecting wild animals from being killed by dogs.

With 18,425 responses to their survey, it may be the largest response ever to a Private Member’s Bill in Northern Ireland.

John Blair MLA said the response to his consultation has been “phenomenal” and hopes the legislation will also ensure that “loopholes” can not easily be found.

See more – Consultation Summary.

The creation of a Green New Deal covering areas such as the environment, economy and infrastructure is vital if Northern Ireland is to recover from the pandemic, Alliance MLA John Blair has said.

Mr Blair was speaking ahead of an Assembly debate tomorrow (Monday) calling for the introduction of a Green New Deal by the Executive. Alliance launched its own proposals last month, looking at tackling not only the climate emergency but a range of issues to help bring economic and social transformation as we emerge from COVID-19.

Mr Blair said a similar version from the Executive was needed as we go forward.

“The past year has often felt like life is at a standstill but the challenges that faced us as a society before the pandemic remain and in many cases have increased in urgency,” said Mr Blair.

“That includes the mounting climate emergency, as well as the impact of Brexit and the continuing long-term inequality across our community. We need to ensure as we begin to emerge from the worst of the pandemic and we turn to planning our recovery, we grasp the chance for change presented to create a not only a greener but also a fairer economy.

“The Green New Deal looks at not only environmental policy but recognises tackling the climate emergency goes hand in hand with economic and social justice. By investing in a sustainable and fair economy that works for all of us, we can break down the barriers in our community.

“It is vital the Executive delivers a similar Green New Deal for Northern Ireland. Vital not just for our environment but for areas such as our economy, the health service, education and the infrastructure of our region. Well-being and inclusion must be at the centre of Government decision-making and a Northern Ireland Green New Deal would be just that – the catalyst for radical, positive change in this generation.”

Alliance Policing Board member John Blair has condemned an incident in Londonderry which saw masked men fire shots into the air.

Speaking about the “disgraceful” incident, the South Antrim MLA added:

“What we witnessed on Friday night is not something that should form any part of our society in 2021.

“These reckless scenes harking back to the past have been rejected by the vast majority of people and must be utterly condemned.

“I would urge anyone with information to come forward, do your part to rid the community of those responsible and contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”