Local groups benefit from plastic bag charges

Mark H Durkan said: “There is no doubt that these are tough economic times. As a result I was faced with the situation of wanting to help this sector, especially given the sterling work they do for our countryside and species, but having no money in the kitty to do so.

“Against this backdrop and through imaginative use of receipts from the Carrier Bag Levy, I created the NEF. This has meant 21 groups will now benefit.

“When the Carrier Bag Levy was introduced, the promise was that it would be spent on the environment and for the benefit of everyone. We are fulfilling that promise, but in a focussed way with emphasis on projects that deliver critical environmental priorities and benefit communities,” he said.

Local groups to benefit are Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the Beltrim Charitable Trust Slieveanorra and Croaghan Grouse and Wildlife Project.