Half a million raised by plastic bag levy to protect Northern Ireland's environment

Almost 30 environmental projects across Northern Ireland have won a lifeline today after it was announced that they will share half a million pounds raised by the plastic bag levy.

Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced the latest tranche of funding, which brings the total distributed by the Environmental Fund (EF) to almost 40 projects to over £3million this year.

“I am delighted we are able to support and encourage more organisations and projects as they work to develop and enhance our environment such as the protection of native habitats and their wildlife” the minister said during a meeting with many of the environmental groups.

“This additional £500,000 will go to a wide range of projects carrying out important work such as tackling marine and coastal litter, boosting the red squirrel population and promoting recycling.”

Of the 37 organisations including Keep NI Beautiful, the RSPB and National Trust that have already benefited from EF funding this year, 19 will now receive this additional cash boost with nine new projects also benefiting from the scheme.

During her meeting with a wide range of environmental groups at Crawfordsburn Country Park, the Minister also announced she is planning to open the new Environmental Farming Scheme in early 2017.

“The multi-million pound Environmental Farming Scheme is an important part of our agricultural agenda and we are working hard to be able to open it for applications in February next year,” Minister McIlveen said.

“Whilst funding for the EFS is not covered by the recent statement by Chancellor Philip Hammond, we are very much focused on securing the funding and implementing a well-focused scheme.”

The environmental groups aired concerns about future funding for the sector, the impact of Brexit and the difficult financial situation many are facing.

“The environmental sector, like DAERA, knows that challenging financial times are ahead. We all need to continue to look closely at what we do, and how we do it, to ensure we deliver efficiencies in the way we work, enhance partnership working and seek alternative sources of funding,” the minister said.

“Our environmental sector makes genuine positive differences across Northern Ireland to our rural and urban landscape and communities. They deliver much needed environmental improvements, education and support many of the Executive’s Programme for Government outcomes.”

Craig McGuicken, Chief Executive of NI Environment Link, described the Environmental Funding cash boost as good news, saying: “The sector really welcomes this extra funding that the Minister has allocated. It will help environmental organisations across Northern Ireland to deliver a wide range of activities, bringing a diversity of benefits to the public.”

The EF has been made available to eligible organisations to protect and improve habitats; the quality of air and water; promote health, well being, resource efficiency; sustainable economic development and access to the natural environment.

In March 2016, £2.6million from the EF was awarded to 37 organisations for the 2016/17 financial year.

Up to £0.564million is now available, in-year, to fund this latest allocation, bringing the total fund up to £3.164million.

The organisations that have benefitted from the latest tranche are:

Keep NI Beautiful

Business in the Community

Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

Northern Ireland Environment Link

British Trust for Ornithology

Raptor Study Group

Butterfly Conservation

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

Ulster Wildlife

Woodland Trust

National Trust

ABC Borough Council

The Conservation Volunteers

Belfast Hills Partnership

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust

Outdoor Recreation NI

Bann Valley Community Group

Lagan Valley Regional Park

Lough Neagh Partnership

Northern Ireland Amenity Council

Queen's University Belfast

Beltrim Charitable Trust

Field Studies Council (FSC)

Mid Ulster District Council

Bryson Energy

Geological Survey Northern Ireland

River Blackwater Catchment Trust

Loughs Agency