The Stormont Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has said she would welcome a River Cleaning Strategy which would help address the current gap in enforcement responsibilities for recovering debris from watercourses.

Speaking in the Assembly in support of a motion calling for a River Cleaning Strategy, the Minister said: "Illegal dumping and fallen animals in watercourses is a nuisance suffered by landowners and members of the public alike.

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"Responsibility for removal of material normally lies with the landowner if the owner of the material cannot be identified. Enforcement or direct action to remove the material can only be taken by DARD Rivers Agency if there is a threat of flooding and NI Environment Agency also has powers where there is an identifiable threat of pollution. Local councils also have some enforcement powers and there is a requirement to clarify which body will take action to safeguard this important aspect of our environment."

(CD)