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.