Ulster businesses have been urged to make use of the services offered by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) - to help them meet environmental challenges.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson reminded businesses prevention was better than enforcement in addressing environmental demands.

The Minister spoke while attending a dinner hosted by Phoenix Energy Holdings and Arena Network.

Mr Wilson said: "Challenges such as rising energy costs; reducing their environmental impact in waste management; reducing environmental impacts through transport and fleet management; purchasing products with 'green' or 'environmentally friendly' credentials are major issues for many businesses.

-- Advertisement --

"For businesses which are struggling on the environmental front I would encourage them to engage fully with the new Northern Ireland Environment Agency so that positive outcomes can be achieved."

Businesses in the province are offered advice and support from a number of environmental non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which deliver advice and practical assistance on environmental best practice in compliance and management.

Resources on offer are aimed at helping businesses to achieve environmental standards and provide advice on meeting environmental regulations, benchmarking on environmental management and performance.

The Minister acknowledged the value of having NGOs who promote best practice in environmental performance.

He said: "Their aim is to raise awareness, on a province wide basis, in the environment and business interface in Northern Ireland.

"Over the years, the environmental NGOs in NI have acquired a substantial amount of experience and skills and play an important role in assisting my Department in delivering its objectives on increasing rates of recycling and recovery of waste."

The Minister said he would like to see the development of a partnership approach between businesses and NIEA to ensure an improved and pragmatic regulation to benefit all.

(PR/JM)