Northern Ireland's DUP First Minister Peter Robinson announced a ministerial reshuffle yesterday, with the Environment portfolio being conferred on party colleague Sammy Wilson.

Mr Wilson will now head up the Department of Environment, following his predecessor Arlene Foster's move to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The new Executive minister will be tasked with overseeing the Province's planning control, as well as the protection of the environment, heritage and the countryside.

Minister Wilson will also be responsible for the region's waste management, pollution controls and wildlife protection.

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The reform of local government, announced last year, which will see the implementation of 11 new super councils in the Province, will now be headed-up by Mr Wilson.

Road safety, and driver and vehicle testing, also form part of the minister's portfolio.

Environmentalists in Northern Ireland have met Mr Wilson's appointment with confusion.

Last year Mr Wilson was given a green wash award by the young Green's society at Queen's University, over his controversial views on nuclear energy.

Friends of the Earth congratulated the minister on his appointment, but noted his "sceptical views on climate change".

Northern Ireland Friends of the Earth Director John Woods told the BBC: "It is difficult to see how a minister who holds such views in the face of overwhelming evidence could be a credible protector of our environment."

Stormont's only Green Party MLA, Brian Wilson, has previously raised concerns about members of the DUP paying "lip-service" to green issues, and called for an independent environment agency.

(PR/JM)