An additional £2million has been granted for environmental projects through an Environmental Challenge Competition, one of three strands of the Environment Fund (EF).

Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced the further funding during a visit to Slieve Donard, in the Mourne Mountains, Co.Down, where he helped the National Trust repair a strategic path from 'the saddle' to the summit using innovative and sustainable methods. This was one of 23 projects that benefited from funding through the 2020/21 Challenge Fund.

He said: "Visiting Slieve Donard with the National Trust and taking part in helping to repair pathways to the summit has enabled me to see at first hand the excellent work undertaken by such organisations in protecting our environment. This project is an excellent example of the sustainable positive outcomes that can be achieved for biodiversity whilst promoting health and well-being through allowing responsible access to the outdoors.

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"I am conscious of the significant negative impact that Covid-19 has had on organisations that work tirelessly to protect our environment, enhance access and enable visitors to experience our natural heritage and all of its diversity.

"I am therefore pleased to announce that I have allocated a further £2million for a 2021/22 Challenge Competition (Challenge Fund), to complement the existing Environment Fund, which my Department will launch in the coming weeks.

"This significant additional funding will assist Green Recovery from the Covid pandemic whilst providing further support for the delivery of key Departmental strategic aims and the Programme for Government.

"I strongly support partnership working with environmental organisations and I acknowledge the significant contribution that volunteers make to projects such as the one on Slieve Donard. I look forward to visiting other projects in the near future to see the benefits of this collaboration."