Minister pauses routine inspections

This follows on from an earlier decision to pause routine farm inspections and is a further response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also takes pressure off businesses, industry and utility service providers, who are working extremely hard to ensure the economy and utility services keep going where possible.

Minister Poots said: “COVID-19 is placing a lot of pressure on various parts of our business, industry and utility sectors and we must do all we can to relieve that pressure and minimise the amount of time that inspectors and workers come into contact with each other.”

Inspections paused by NIEA, VSAHG, FFG and Marine and Fisheries Division include routine inspections under public health protection, pollution prevention and control of industrial emissions, waste and water regulations, the ABP and TSE regulations and some marine and fisheries activities.

“Pausing routine inspections in the short term will help the sector plan better and have clarity on what is expected from them during COVID-19. It also means we can direct the Department’s resources in the best and most effective way.

“However, essential inspections will continue while any reports of incidents with the potential to cause a significant impact on public health, animal health & welfare, plant health or the environment, including the safety of food supplies, illegal waste disposal or impacts on drinking water will continue to be investigated as normal.”

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