Andrew Muir MLA

"I am delighted that Belfast is hosting the joint UK & Ireland Passivhaus Conference, spotlighting the impressive Passivhaus innovation & upscaling taking place in Northern Ireland, & across the UK and Ireland"
@andrewmuirni.bsky.social

Join us in Belfast & online:

https://ukphc.org.uk/

Muir announces over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has committed over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects through his department’s Environment Fund.

@daera-ni.gov.uk Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social
has committed over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects through his department’s Environment Fund. @belfasthills.bsky.social are delighted to be among the recipients. Read all about it here:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/muir-an...

Image of peatlands. Text reads: Unleashing the power of our peatlands + Storing and capturing carbon + Supporting threatened habitats and species + Improving water quality + Creating green jobs

Our peatlands have massive potential in combating climate change, improving water quality and reversing biodiversity decline.

DAERA Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social has launched his Peatland Strategy to restore these precious habitats.

Run-down and dilapidated buildings are a blight - affecting communities across Northern Ireland, says @andrewmuirni.bsky.social.
 
That's why Alliance is bringing forward new powers to stop the rot in our cities, towns and villages.

Image of nature. Text reads: "We need an Independent Environmental Protection Agency

Experts agree that we need an independent Environmental Protection Agency. So do we.

@andrewmuirni.bsky.social will be taking forward their final recommendations to the Executive to deliver this long-standing commitment.

On the publication of new advice for environmental governance in Northern Ireland, Ruth Chambers, senior fellow said "Ruth Chambers, senior fellow, Green Alliance, commented: "For nature to recover in Northern Ireland, we need an independent environmental regulator with teeth and targets to meet. This timely report on how to strengthen environmental governance must be finalised and implemented swiftly. But people will then want to see quick action to tackle the water pollution that blights Lough Neagh and address the perilous state of the country’s wildlife."

We welcome the publication of new expert advice which signals major changes to environmental governance in Northern Ireland.

Read the report: bit.ly/4eg2oO0

Comment from @ruthchambers.bsky.social, senior fellow ⤵️

Image of DAERA Minister Andrew Muir's platform piece in the Belfast Telegraph. Titled: “Ambitions for our economy must be in step with care and protection of the environment.”

In today's Belfast Telegraph, Alliance Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social emphasises that if Northern Ireland fails to align its environmental needs with its economic ambitions, the decline of our environment will adversely impact a range of sectors, from farming to tourism.


Read more below⤵️

Photo of Alliance MLAs Andrew Muir and Nuala McAllister in North Belfast. Text reads: Dilapidation Bill announced. We’re giving councils the power to tackle dilapidated buildings.

𝘿𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 🏘️ 🛠️

@andrewmuirni.bsky.social has announced a bill to tackle dilapidated and dangerous buildings, alongside Nuala McAllister MLA in North Belfast.

The bill aims to empower councils to deal with the harmful impact dilapidated buildings have on our community.

Muir sets out pathway to stronger animal welfare standards Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has today published his ambitious 10-point plan to improve animal welfare through a series of impactful reforms.

Great to see @daera-ni.gov.uk's new #AnimalWelfarePathway for Northern Ireland include plans for mandatory CCTVs in abattoirs, consideration around regulation of canine fertility clinics, & exploring a ban on shock collars, among others. @andrewmuirni.bsky.social
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/muir-se...

Image of single-use vapes in a bin. Text reads: We've banned polluting single-use vapes.

DAERA Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social has banned single-use vapes, marking another important step for environmental protection ♻

The new ban will reduce the damage caused to our environment by disposable vapes, and help to safeguard the health and well-being of future generations.

The Nutrients Action Programme is a key part of the Lough Neagh Action Plan💧

Resolving the situation in Lough Neagh requires a joint effort, and by ensuring everyone plays their part, we can make a real difference in protecting the future of our waterways.

-@andrewmuirni.bsky.social

Alliance will keep fighting against trade deals that seek to undercut our farmers with cheap imports from the U.S. or elsewhere.

@eointennyson.bsky.social & @andrewmuirni.bsky.social outline how we're sticking up for farmers & ensuring it's sustainable for the future at this years #BalmoralShow. 🚜🐮

Image of a puppy running through a field. Text reads: We're protecting pets. We're: Launching an expert-led review of dog breeding establishments. Driving forward Lucy’s Law – ending third-party puppy & kitten sales.

🚫 There is no place in our society for animal cruelty.

🐶 🐱 That's why Alliance Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social is taking action to make our pets safer.

Pope Francis

Very saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis. Compassion and leadership he provided will forever be remembered, supporting peace and reconciliation and courageously speaking up on key issues such as climate change, poverty and migration. May he rest in peace

The Lough Neagh Action Plan is progressing at pace.

However, I need more than lip service from other parties, who so far have ducked or opposed the difficult decisions needed for our environment. 2/2

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Lough Neagh: First case of blue-green algae confirmed in 2025 Blue-green algae has been detected in Lough Neagh at both Traad Point and Kinturk (Curran's Quay).

I am dismayed but sadly not surprised by the return of blue-green algae at Lough Neagh.

I have said many times that this problem was decades in the making and will be decades in the fixing. 1/2

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Love it!

We need a change in approach to help tackle fires ravaging our countryside.

As I informed the Assembly on Monday part of that has to be about the burn period.

I intend to review the prescribed burning rules, status quo isn’t an option.

Glad to see Assembly vote to setup Climate Change Commissioner despite opposition from DUP & TUV

Northern Ireland is already enduring the harsh reality of Climate Change

Those stuck in mode of dither, delay and deny on climate action are on the wrong side of history

🌟 We’re now on Bluesky! 🌟

We're here to connect, support, & champion Northern Ireland’s voluntary & community sector.

We’ll be sharing updates, insights, & resources to support the sector. Give us a follow, say hello, and let’s build a strong community here! 💙

Andrew Muir MLA & John Blair MLA with young people and Lough Neagh stories organisers

Inspirational morning engaging with children and young people on Lough Neagh, climate change and our environment with John Blair MLA

Thanks Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People for the invite and organising the event, ably hosted by CAFRE @daera-ni.gov.uk

Delighted to host a positive, constructive Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Inter-ministerial Group in Belfast last week at amazing Belfast Harbour Commission offices

Working together East / West and North / South we can achieve so much more

From left Councillor Gillian McCollum, Connie Egan MLA, Andrew Muir MLA and Councillor Hannah Irwin standing at Belfast City Hall with musicians in the background

Really wonderful news Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to Belfast in 2026!

Well done to all involved in securing this especially Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

This has massive potential benefit not just for Belfast but spin off opportunities including in North Down

@connieegan.bsky.social

I am extremely concerned to learn of significant fish kill at Glenmornan River, Artigarvan with severe ecological impact

News over 2,000 dead fish have so far been discovered including 500 European Eels plus 20 dead frogs is absolutely devastating

More at www.loughs-agency.org/newsroom/sta...

Economic growth must not come to the cost of our environment, a matter I raised with DEFRA Secretary Steve Reed MP earlier this week. We must learn lessons from the past, Lough Neagh being a glaring example

Founding Cara-Friend. Exhibition celebrating 50 years of one N.Ireland’s oldest LGBT+ charities, with photography of veteran activists by Tim O’Connell, accompanied by heritage display. Linenhall, Belfast, Feb 3-28.

Alliance DAERA Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social has launched the new Nature
Recovery Challenge Fund
The first-of-its-kind fund will offer grants to projects that increase habitats, protect our environment and help restore biodiversity. 🌿

@allianceparty.bsky.social

DAERA will continue to engage with partners in Rural Community Network, Rural Support NI, UFU and others as we work together with Executive colleagues in the response to the damage caused by Storm Éowyn

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The on-going impact of Storm Éowyn upon rural communities across Northern Ireland is significant

I greatly appreciate efforts by NIE Networks to restore connections with Storm Herminia today adding to the challenges of getting power back on

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I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues as we seek to respond and recover from the storm

Further updates at www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-...

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