DUP Assembly Member for North Down, Alex Easton MLA has urged businesses in Northern Ireland who are struggling with energy costs to avail of the assistance made available by the Northern Ireland government.

Mr Easton was speaking after he received a response to an Assembly Question regarding help with energy costs from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster.

Mr Easton said: "Rising energy costs are a major drag on business growth and expansion and it is vital that businesses are fully aware of what avenues for assistance are available.

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"Invest NI provides a range of support for businesses to assist with the management of energy costs and for the deployment of renewable energy to help reduce operating costs."

The support offered includes:

• Technical advice

• Free energy efficiency audits

• Action plans and project management support to help businesses to implement the most cost effective cost saving opportunities.

• Invest NI also provides funding for the Energy Efficiency Loan Fund in Northern Ireland which is managed and delivered by Carbon Trust. The Loan Fund offers interest-free loans from £3,000 to £400,000 to Northern Ireland businesses to help them install more energy efficient equipment.

(CD/JP)