This Code of Practice is published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs under section 13 of the Environmental Better Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. It applies to the exercise by the Department, a district council or any person of a power of entry or associated power contained in any statutory provision under which the Department has any function, related to environmental activities or to protecting and improving the environment.
Powers of entry and associated powers are important tools in the investigation of offences and for enforcement purposes. The Code provides guidance and sets out considerations that apply before, during and after those powers are exercised including those circumstances where entry is achieved with the consent of an occupier. The purpose of the Code is to ensure greater consistency in the exercise of those powers and greater clarity for those affected by them whilst upholding effective enforcement.
Environmental Powers of Entry - Code of Practice