The Green Party has hit out at the government over its decision to abolish the Department of Environment.

Environment Spokesperson Cllr Malcolm Noonan said the news that the Government are moving ahead with the statutory instruments to make these changes is incredibly disappointing.

Mr Noonan said the decision is an "embarrassment".

He said: "We are among the worst offenders in Europe already in terms of compliance with environmental, climate and habitats legislation, and there seems to be little commitment from the new Government in meeting our obligations towards protection of habitats. Enda Kenny is pandering to Independents who have been vocally against the Habitats Directive and misguided over dredging rights following flooding incidents. To think that we now don't even have a junior post displays ignorance and indifference towards the environment." said Cllr Noonan.

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"Arts, Heritage and Cultural groups, environmental groups are angry at the decision. The previous Government effectively destroyed the LEADER Rural Development Programme which delayed its activation and now they are pedalling a narrative that their concern is for rural Ireland. It was just one programme that was administered by the Department of Environment and will be delayed further due to reconfiguration of departments."

He said that heritage had been relegated to the back of an already overburdened cabinet portfolio under Minister Heather Humphries and the title was dropped.

(CD/LM)