€84.7 million European funding has been secured for cross border collaborative environmental projects.

The European Commission has formally adopted a new INTERREG cross-border co-operative programme for Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland and Western Scotland for 2014-2020.

€72 million will be provided from the Europe with €12.7million provided by national contributions.

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Northern Ireland's Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo said: "Northern Ireland has been under threat of breaching EU Directives on the protection of Birds and Habitats and having poor fresh water quality. The INTERREG cross-border programme will provide opportunities to enhance wildlife, fresh water quality and marine life across the island.

"Given the severe reduction in Environment budget, this will help to ensure environmental initiatives are more adequately funded."

(CD/IT)