DUP vote against ‘copy and paste’ Alliance motion on independent Environmental Protection Agency
At the full meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 27 April 2026, the DUP voted against what it described as a “copy and paste” Alliance motion condemning the party for blocking the establishment of an Independent Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The motion brought forward by Alliance councillors Robbie Alexander and Peter Lavery was identical to the motion debated at Stormont on 10th March 2026, where it passed with 44 MLAs voting in favour and 23 voting against.
The motion stated that the Council “strongly condemns” the DUP’s blocking of an IEPA, criticised what it called “hypocrisy” over environmental concerns, and argued that it was “undemocratic” for a single party representing a minority of MLAs to veto the proposal. It also called on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to convene a process of institutional reform and to ensure commitments in the New Decade, New Approach agreement are implemented.
During the debate, DUP Councillor Tim McClelland (Lagan River), an arable farmer, criticised the motion as unnecessary duplication of Assembly business.
“Members, this is a ‘cut and paste’ motion which first saw the light of day on 10th March at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Frankly, this is a waste of a motion. Would the ratepayer not have benefitted more from a motion on the oil price shock, hardship for families, or support for our business community? But no—ideology and pet projects are always more important for the Alliance Party.”
Cllr McClelland said the DUP opposed the motion for several reasons, highlighting the role of the existing Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which sits within the department led by Alliance Minister Andrew Muir.
“Perhaps if the Minister gave proper oversight to NIEA, regulations already in place would be implemented with transparency and accountability. The Minister needs to look closer to home before demanding another quango be set up—especially when the proposal is uncosted and will inevitably lead to duplication.”
He referenced ongoing environmental concerns, including Lough Neagh and the Mobuoy dump, arguing that responsibility already lies with NIEA and the Minister.
“It’s unclear how any of this hinges on us getting another quango. Perhaps Alliance members could shed some light on that.”
Cllr McClelland also criticised what he described as the Alliance Party’s approach to political reform.
“When the Alliance Party don’t get their way, off they run crying to whoever will listen, demanding reform. Minority views in the Assembly are to be ignored and trampled on—all to advance pet Alliance Party projects.”
He concluded by urging cooperation rather than confrontation.
“What Minister Muir and his Alliance colleagues should do is sit down with other parties and stakeholders to develop practical, sensible solutions. Rather than adopting a hostile approach—which, some would say, is the sentiment behind this motion.”
Following debate, the motion passed with 20 votes for, 16 against, and 1 abstention.