Menu
30/05/2012
Plastic Bag Charge 'Must Not Be Revenue-Focused'
A potential charge for plastic bags should be introduced to help the environment, not to make money.
That was the view of members of the Environment Committee at Stormont, who debated the proposed carrier bag charge in the Assembly Chamber yesterday.
The Committee called on environment minister Alex Attwood to make sure the charge focuses on reducing the amount of bags used in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood announced in January that a 5p charge will come in as of next April, as a “simple way” to reduce a "scrouge on the environment".
Chairperson Anna Lo said: "The Committee was concerned about the level of the charge and the types of bags it would cover, and wants confirmation that the focus is on the environmental impact, not the generation of revenue."
She said that the environment and society would benefit from less plastic bags being used, as there would be less carbon emissions from their production and more safe spaces for sea wildlife.
But she said that when the charge comes in, it should only be on single-use bags and not on reusable or natural bags, to avoid "conflicting messages".
The Department for the Environment is currently carrying out a consultation exercise on how best to implement a charge.
The Environment Committee carried out some online consultation and said most responses were in favour of the charge.
Estimates show that between 160m and 200m plastic bags are used in Northern Ireland every year.
(NE)
That was the view of members of the Environment Committee at Stormont, who debated the proposed carrier bag charge in the Assembly Chamber yesterday.
The Committee called on environment minister Alex Attwood to make sure the charge focuses on reducing the amount of bags used in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood announced in January that a 5p charge will come in as of next April, as a “simple way” to reduce a "scrouge on the environment".
Chairperson Anna Lo said: "The Committee was concerned about the level of the charge and the types of bags it would cover, and wants confirmation that the focus is on the environmental impact, not the generation of revenue."
She said that the environment and society would benefit from less plastic bags being used, as there would be less carbon emissions from their production and more safe spaces for sea wildlife.
But she said that when the charge comes in, it should only be on single-use bags and not on reusable or natural bags, to avoid "conflicting messages".
The Department for the Environment is currently carrying out a consultation exercise on how best to implement a charge.
The Environment Committee carried out some online consultation and said most responses were in favour of the charge.
Estimates show that between 160m and 200m plastic bags are used in Northern Ireland every year.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 May 2015
£1.25m Natural Environment Fund Opens
A £1.25 million Natural Environment Fund (NEF) has now opened for applications. The fund, for Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) in Northern Ireland, aims to help protect landscape, species and access to the countryside.
£1.25m Natural Environment Fund Opens
A £1.25 million Natural Environment Fund (NEF) has now opened for applications. The fund, for Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) in Northern Ireland, aims to help protect landscape, species and access to the countryside.
15 January 2013
5p Plastic Bag Levy Approved
Legislation to introduce a charge on single-use carrier bags in Northern Ireland has been approved by the Assembly. Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations have been approved, and has predicted an 80% reduction in the use of such bags.
5p Plastic Bag Levy Approved
Legislation to introduce a charge on single-use carrier bags in Northern Ireland has been approved by the Assembly. Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations have been approved, and has predicted an 80% reduction in the use of such bags.
25 February 2020
Carrier Bag Tax Raises £2.2m
Some 24 environmental projects are to share in £2.2 million raised through the plastic bag levy. The tax, introduced in April 2013, places a five pence charge on every carrier bag sold.
Carrier Bag Tax Raises £2.2m
Some 24 environmental projects are to share in £2.2 million raised through the plastic bag levy. The tax, introduced in April 2013, places a five pence charge on every carrier bag sold.
26 March 2013
Minister Campaigns Ahead Of Plastic Bag Charge
With just two weeks to go until the carrier bag levy is introduced in Northern Ireland, Environment Minister Alex Attwood has been ramping up the campaign to make sure the public are aware of the new regulations.
Minister Campaigns Ahead Of Plastic Bag Charge
With just two weeks to go until the carrier bag levy is introduced in Northern Ireland, Environment Minister Alex Attwood has been ramping up the campaign to make sure the public are aware of the new regulations.
28 February 2008
M&S Carrier Bag Charge Follows NI Trial
Following a trial period at Marks & Spencer stores in Northern Ireland and others in southwest England, High Street retailer Marks and Spencer has announced plans to charge customers 5p for each plastic bag they use.
M&S Carrier Bag Charge Follows NI Trial
Following a trial period at Marks & Spencer stores in Northern Ireland and others in southwest England, High Street retailer Marks and Spencer has announced plans to charge customers 5p for each plastic bag they use.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
