An additional £645,000 of funding has been allocated for environmental projects in Northern Ireland.

The Environment Fund (EF) s one of the mechanisms which enables not-for-profit organisations and councils to deliver key environmental priorities across NI.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "I am delighted to announce this additional funding for 2020/21. This will enable organisations to continue to focus on the areas of environmental protection, improvement and monitoring of habitats and species; promotion of health, well-being, understanding, appreciation and action for the environment and access so that we can all enjoy the full value of our natural environment in Northern Ireland.

-- Advertisement --

"The impact of Covid-19, alongside the difficult financial climate, means this is a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations who are passionate about improving the environment. I have seen at first hand the value of the work carried out by these groups and I have been highly impressed by the levels of partnership working and volunteer enthusiasm. I commend them for this work."

A total of 17 organisations will initially receive grants for their projects, with the potential for additional projects to be funded, subject to budget availability.

Among the initiatives to be funded are projects for the delivery of core path networks and strategic routes; provision of recreation infrastructure, capital purchases essential for conservation and nature recovery.