Local companies have been urged to apply sustainable development principles to their operations and secure significant cost savings.

Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster made her comments when delivering her address at the official opening of a sustainable development workshop in Enniskillen.

Organised by Fermanagh Economic Development Organisation (FEDO), in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and South West College, the event attracted representatives from almost 80 businesses across Fermanagh and Tyrone.

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"Businesses can realise significant savings by cutting waste and using energy and water as efficiently as possible," said the Minister.

"There are also many business opportunities in global sustainable energy markets, as highlighted at the Invest NI Energy and Environment Conference in October.

"This workshop provided an excellent opportunity for local companies to learn about the range of support available, and served to highlight the many ways in which they, and the environment, can benefit from a more responsible approach to waste and energy management in daily business operations. Advice is freely available from Invest NI and its partner organisations."

The workshop featured speakers from key organisations involved in the sustainable development sector including Invest NI, the Carbon Trust, Envirowise and the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme.

They outlined the support on offer, which includes financial assistance and free consultancy and advice.

(NS/BMcc)