The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) may have failed to comply with environmental law, according to a new report.
It is in relation to special protection areas for at-risk wild birds, such as puffins, whooper swans and light-bellied Brent geese.
An investigation from the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) had been previously launched in March 2024, following potential failures to implement recommendations given by a conservation body.
Daera said it welcomes the OEP’s work and will be “considering the investigation findings”, whilst recognising “that there is much more to do to protect our natural environment and the habitats that wild birds and other wildlife need to survive and thrive”.