£300,000 funding announced for environmental and conservation groups

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced an additional £300,000 funding for environment and conservation groups.

A proportion of the additional money will be offered to some of the current applicants to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Natural Heritage Grant Programme, while some will be made available to those applying for funding next year.

NIEA notified nine organisations including the Belfast Hills Partnership, Lagan Valley Regional Park and the Ulster Wildlife Trust that they will receive additional funding next year.

Poots said: "I greatly value the contribution made by environmental organisations to protecting our countryside and wildlife. In particular, they engage people in caring for and enjoying their local environment."

"The Agency will continue to make funding decisions based on its priorities which will be clearly communicated to applicants. Councils and environmental Non-Government Organisations are encouraged to consider alternative ways of delivering and funding projects in the future, collaborating where appropriate."

Further information:
NIEA