Not-for-profit organisations aiming to improve the environment in Northern Ireland can now apply for funding after £400,000 has been made available from the carrier bag levy.

The Challenge Fund will enable local communities, schools and voluntary organisations to undertake small-scale projects to improve the environment and deliver environmental education.

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Environment Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "Community groups can use the funding to enhance civic pride in their local area through, for example, tidying a local beach or neglected beauty spot or creating and enhancing areas where the public can enjoy the local environment. Schools can take advantage of the financial support to create eco-gardens and provide learning opportunities where children and young people can engage with nature.

"To date more than £4.6million has been offered from the Challenge Fund, enabling almost 600 environmental projects to be carried out, and I am pleased to be able to deliver further resources for the fund and ensure this good work in our schools and communities can continue."

(CD)