The Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
The DOE designates Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) under this Order. The legislation makes it an offence to carry out operations likely to damage an ASSI without prior permission from the Environment and Heritage Service, DOE. It is also an offence to damage or destroy a protected scientific interest.
The maximum penalty for both offences is £20,000. In addition to a fine, offenders may be liable for the costs of restoring the damaged area to its original condition.
Enforcement is by the Department of the Environment, Environment and Heritage Service.
