Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has paid tribute to Northern Ireland businesses - who have "raised the bar" in improving their environmental performance and competitiveness.

The Minister was commenting at an event marking the publication by the ARENA Network of the results of its 10th annual Environmental Management Survey.

Mr Wilson commended ARENA for making this year’s survey more challenging.

Speaking at the launch event, at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the Minister welcomed the participation of more companies.

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Minister Wilson said: "Over 10 years of the survey the number of organisations taking part has increased significantly from 75 participants in 1998 to 128 in 2008 and during this period businesses have demonstrated an overall improvement in their environmental performance with fewer poor performers.

"The participants have demonstrated that sound environmental management represents good business practice, making cost savings which is particularly pertinent given the current economic landscape.

"The survey still represents the only tool in Northern Ireland which enables organisations to benchmark their progress in managing their environmental performance and through ARENA there is also an opportunity for them to share best practice," he added.

A total of 128 organisations took part in this year’s survey across 13 different sectors.

(PR/NS)