Funding has been confirmed for community projects to create greener, cleaner and healthier environments across Northern Ireland.

Approximately 107 projects will share £750,000 investment through the Living Places and Spaces grant scheme as part of the £20 million Blue Green Infrastructure Fund.  

Letters of offer are now being sent to successful applicants.

Speaking about the progress of the scheme, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I am absolutely delighted with the response to the Living Places and Spaces grant scheme. Local communities have really embraced the essence of what this scheme was set up to do with their ideas for greener, cleaner and healthier environments. 

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"A total of £750,000 in grants is going out to the successful applicants across the country. I look forward to seeing the difference this will make on the ground and the many new living walls, allotments, rain gardens, pocket parks and forest trails that will be created.  

"This scheme also demonstrates the benefits of working in partnership with local communities to deliver what they need. Addressing the climate emergency is the responsibility of all of us. By empowering local people to plant trees, manage water, grow vegetables and create areas for active travel, change can happen."

Paul Sweeney, NI Chair of the The National Lottery Community Fund, which is delivering the Living Places and Spaces grant scheme, added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure to deliver this important programme. The grants that have been awarded  will support communities across Northern Ireland to create greener, safer and more sustainable local spaces."