To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how statutory consultees under his Department consider the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 when considering planning applications.

The Department provides advice about potential environmental impacts arising from planning consultations received, such as impacts on terrestrial and marine habitats and species and water quality.

In relation to the Climate Act this may include advice about nature-based solutions accompanying an application or advice about proposals that may impact on peatlands, in particular active peatland which is important for its carbon capture and storage properties.