£1m Carrier Bag Levy To Transform Environmental Projects

£1m received through the carrier bag levy has been allocated by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan to go towards a fund to tackle environmental issues in Northern Ireland.

The Challenge Fund provides funding for communities and organisations to develop local environmental projects across the region.

In addition this year, the Forest Service is providing £200,000 for forest-based partner/community-led projects.

Minister Durkan said: "Last year’s Challenge Fund was a very successful programme. The innovative ideas of the 56 environmental projects which received a share of the £360,000 funding produced remarkable results for the environment. The best way to celebrate success is to build on it and for that reason I have allocated a significant portion of the proceeds from the Carrier Bag Levy to deliver a much enhanced, bigger and wider reaching Challenge Fund than last year.

"This fund is about challenging and inspiring local communities to look at what they can do differently to improve the environment. It’s about encouraging and supporting energetic partnerships between local businesses, schools, youth groups and residents; those who want to transform and shape their local environment for the better. I would urge groups across the north to come up with projects and apply to this increased Challenge Fund."

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "I welcome this opportunity to make available funding of £200,000 for forest-based partner/community-led projects. This funding is being made available as an integral part of my Department’s delivery of the £4m Forestry Fund secured under the Executive’s Economy & Jobs Initiative.

"I am aware that the wider community has expressed an interest in being involved in services available in forests, and I would encourage those with interests to submit their proposals under the NIEA Scheme."

(IT/CD)