Dickson Welcomes Step Forward In Fight Against Environmental Crime

East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed a new step in the fight against environmental crime in the form of a new partnership between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI).

The two organisations have signed a memorandum strengthening the current links between them and aiming for closer co-operation. Forensic Science Northern Ireland’s Chief Executive, Stan Brown said: “There are many areas where FSNI can provide forensic support to the work of the Environmental Crime Unit. We welcome this opportunity to add value to the efforts of NIEA, and build upon previous contacts with their investigators.”

Mr Dickson has expressed his support for this new step, saying: “This kind of progress will allow the NIEA to improve on the good work it already does with regards to combatting environmental crime.

“This sort of crime doesn’t just show a flagrant disregard for the law, but it can also have serious long term effects on the local environment which is an important issue for many people in East Antrim and Northern Ireland as a whole.”

Mr Dickson concluded: “Hopefully, this new step will bring us closer to completely eliminating this type of crime and will further protect the environment.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Noel Williams on 028 9335 0286 or at noel.williams@party.niassembly.gov.uk