The new competitive grant scheme is aimed at voluntary and community groups, local councils and other not- for- profit organisations.
The pilot scheme, which has a pot of £100,000 to be spent before the end of the current financial year, will award up to £10,000 to small projects which will contribute to the improvement of water quality in their area.
Mr Attwood said: "It's widely recognised that communities are very good at working together to enhance and improve their local environment for the benefit of all. I want to tap into that community spirit, reward it and ultimately the environment will be the winner. The aim of the Water Quality Improvement Grant is to help the community to contribute to improving and protecting the rivers and the wider water environment in their areas. These types of small projects will motivate people of all ages to have a physical stake in improving their water quality locally. It will help promote partnership working between local groups and the Department of Environment."
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The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is already working with a large number of stakeholders to identify local issues and determine effective solutions. This grant aid will not only help to maximise the effectiveness of the work carried out by these groups but will also support tourism, economic development and provide opportunities for community involvement.
(CD/GK)
