The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) faced criticism from the UK's environmental watchdog, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), for missing the July 2023 deadline to introduce the plan. The OEP had pressed ministers to adopt an environmental strategy that could be implemented as an EIP.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir expressed his approval of the plan, noting that it offers "a set of coherent and effective interventions and measures" to confront the pressing environmental issues in Northern Ireland. He emphasized that the plan would benefit both public health and the economy by promoting environmentally sustainable development and protecting the global environment.

Muir outlined some of the key challenges the EIP addresses, including habitat and species loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and issues related to water, air, and soil quality. The plan also focuses on advancing the circular economy and improving waste management practices.

According to Muir, the EIP will undergo regular reviews and revisions and will be independently scrutinized by the OEP to ensure that all government departments in Northern Ireland are taking appropriate steps to enhance the environment.

The plan is built around six strategic objectives:

• Ensuring high-quality air, water, and land
• Fostering a healthy and accessible environment and landscapes for all
• Supporting thriving, resilient, and interconnected nature and wildlife
• Promoting sustainable production and consumption on both land and sea
• Achieving zero waste and developing a robust circular economy
• Reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience and adaptability

These objectives are designed to guide Northern Ireland towards a more sustainable future and ensure ongoing progress in environmental protection.