New online tool launched to help public report environmental incidents across Northern Ireland

People across Northern Ireland can now report a wide range of environmental incidents more quickly and easily following the launch of a new online reporting system designed to speed up investigations and improve responses from authorities.

The new service, introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), creates a single reporting route for environmental concerns ranging from illegal dumping and damage to protected habitats to illegal fishing and pollution affecting marine areas.

The move is intended to remove confusion around who to contact and make it easier for members of the public to report incidents as they happen.

A single reporting route for environmental concerns

Previously, those wishing to report environmental issues often had to search through departmental webpages to identify the correct contact point.

The new system instead guides users through a series of questions designed to capture the key details investigators need from the outset, allowing incidents to be triaged quickly and directed to the appropriate specialist team.

Reports can be allocated according to the nature of the incident, whether it relates to land, air, inland waterways or marine environments, helping investigations begin more quickly and efficiently.

The system covers a wide range of issues including:

• Illegal waste activities

• Amenity concerns arising from regulated sites

• Damage to designated habitats

• Illegal fishing activity

• Environmental damage affecting marine areas

Designed for use in real time

One of the most significant features of the new reporting tool is its suitability for use while incidents are unfolding.

When accessed on a mobile phone or tablet, the system can automatically capture location information and allows users to upload photographs directly alongside their report.

This is expected to improve the quality of evidence available to investigators and reduce delays caused by missing information or unclear locations.

Once a report has been submitted, users receive an automatic acknowledgement together with an incident reference number which can be used for follow-up enquiries.

Improving investigations and case management

Behind the scenes, the new platform also introduces enhanced case management capabilities for DAERA staff.

The system includes workflow management and document storage functions, allowing all records connected to an incident to be held centrally and accessed more easily throughout an investigation.

DAERA says this will help improve efficiency and ensure information is available to the teams responsible for responding to incidents.

Minister says new system will improve response times

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the new reporting system would improve both the quality of information received and the speed at which incidents can be investigated.

He said:

“I am delighted to announce the launch of this new system, which will help provide my Department with an enhanced level of detail to enable a more effective response and investigation to environmental incidents by improving the quality of information at the point of submission.”

The Minister added:

“The introduction of an online reporting form will also make it easier for the public to alert us to environmental incidents, enabling more timely investigation.”

Water pollution reports remain separate for now

DAERA has confirmed that the new system does not yet include the reporting of water pollution incidents.

Those incidents should continue to be reported using the existing Northern Ireland Environment Agency incident hotline, which remains available around the clock.

The Department says water pollution reporting will be incorporated into the new online system in due course.

In the meantime, suspected water pollution incidents can still be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the NIEA Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

To access the new system tap the button below.

Environmental Incident Reporting System

The launch of the new reporting tool represents a significant change in how environmental incidents are reported and managed in Northern Ireland, with the Department hoping the streamlined approach will encourage more timely reporting and support faster investigations when environmental damage occurs.