Environmental groups get budget reprieve

The new fund replaced the Natural Heritage Grants Programme

Twenty-one environmental groups that had their budgets slashed earlier this year are to get a reprieve with extra money being made available to them.

They were among 50 groups badly affected when the Department of the Environment cut their funding in March due to a 10% reduction in its budget.

Some groups lost up to £200,000 and had to put staff on notice.

A new fund using cash raised through the plastic carrier bag tax means some of them will get their money back.

'Imaginative'

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said he had been left in a difficult position.

"I was faced with the situation of wanting to help this sector, especially given the sterling work they do for our countryside and species, but having no money in the kitty to do so," he said.

"Against this backdrop and through imaginative use of receipts from the Carrier Bag Levy, I created the Natural Environment Fund.

"This has meant 21 groups will now benefit."

The big winners are the Ulster Wildlife Trust, which gets £130,000; the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, which receives £110,000; the Mourne Heritage Trust, which gets £149,000; the RSPB, which gets £110,000; and the Northern Ireland Environment Link, which gets £100,000.

Other groups like Bat Conservation Ireland, the Ring of Gullion group and Butterfly Conservation will also benefit.