27/08/2014

Carrier Bag Use Drops 72%

Newly published figures reveal a drop of 215 million single use carrier bags in the first year of the 5p levy, a reduction of 72%.

Welcoming the news, Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, said: "The response from shoppers has been very positive and retailers have also risen to the challenge. The result has been a very significant reduction in single use carrier bags.

"During the past year, I have ensured that money from the bag levy has gone back into the community through environmental projects. I have visited many of these projects and have been inspired by the great work being done.

"I am delighted to announce that £2.5million of this year's levy receipts will be available to support community projects. The community pays the levy and I will ensure that the community gets the benefit of the levy."

(MH/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
19 August 2021
30% Fewer Disposable Carrier Bags Given Out In The Last Year
The number of plastic, disposable, carrier bags given out by retailers in the last year fell by more than 30%, with 24.3 million fewer bags dispensed. The 8th annual Carrier Bag Levy statistics for Northern Ireland showed that in 2020/21 shows that 56.
12 December 2013
£2.2m Carrier Bag Levy To Fund Community Projects
£2.2m of carrier bag levy money is to be spent on funding for communities and organisations to develop environmental projects across Northern Ireland. Some £1m had initially been set aside; however due to the "overwhelming response" the figure has more than doubled. In total, 251 projects have successfully bid for granted funding.
16 October 2013
£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.
10 January 2023
SDLP Calls For Action On Plastics Ban In NI
The SDLP has called for progress to be made on a single-use plastics ban in Northern Ireland. Climate Change Spokesperson Mark H Durkan made the call after an announcement that a ban would be progressed in England before the end of the year.