Menu
04/07/2013
NI's First Litter Strategy Announced
The first ever strategy to tackle levels of marine litter in Northern Ireland has been launched.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the publication of the strategy today.
The new marine litter strategy will seek to reduce the amount of litter around Northern Ireland's coastline through education and awareness campaigns.
The majority of litter found on Northern Ireland’s beaches is made up of plastics and includes plastic bottles, food wrappers, carrier bags, cotton buds and sanitary products and fishing debris which have been dropped on land and at sea.
The move follows the dumping of "lorry loads" of litter during a recent spate of good weather across Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy, Minister Attwood said: "Northern Ireland is leading the way in these islands by being first to develop a strategy to address the problem of litter on our coasts.
"We need to change mindsets here. Years ago people 'had a drink for the road' before driving. A year ago people always asked for a carrier bag when shopping which often ended up littering our landscapes. So habits can change. More education is required. More volunteers will be encouraged.
"The strategy is a co-ordinated approach to reducing the levels of litter in the marine environment, through education, awareness-raising and volunteering programs, along with promoting a strong system of enforcement against those who just don’t get the message that litter is unacceptable."
Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of TidyNI, said: "This document cleverly balances actions to do something about the litter already out there with actions that will prevent more of this unsightly stuff being dropped. By recognising the need for society-wide behaviour change it is the strongest lead yet to creating a culture where people love where they live.
"The economic gains that will come from such a strategy will benefit us all through limiting rate rises, increasing tourist spend and attracting greater inward investment."
(IT/CD)
Environment Minister Alex Attwood announced the publication of the strategy today.
The new marine litter strategy will seek to reduce the amount of litter around Northern Ireland's coastline through education and awareness campaigns.
The majority of litter found on Northern Ireland’s beaches is made up of plastics and includes plastic bottles, food wrappers, carrier bags, cotton buds and sanitary products and fishing debris which have been dropped on land and at sea.
The move follows the dumping of "lorry loads" of litter during a recent spate of good weather across Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the Northern Ireland Marine Litter Strategy, Minister Attwood said: "Northern Ireland is leading the way in these islands by being first to develop a strategy to address the problem of litter on our coasts.
"We need to change mindsets here. Years ago people 'had a drink for the road' before driving. A year ago people always asked for a carrier bag when shopping which often ended up littering our landscapes. So habits can change. More education is required. More volunteers will be encouraged.
"The strategy is a co-ordinated approach to reducing the levels of litter in the marine environment, through education, awareness-raising and volunteering programs, along with promoting a strong system of enforcement against those who just don’t get the message that litter is unacceptable."
Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of TidyNI, said: "This document cleverly balances actions to do something about the litter already out there with actions that will prevent more of this unsightly stuff being dropped. By recognising the need for society-wide behaviour change it is the strongest lead yet to creating a culture where people love where they live.
"The economic gains that will come from such a strategy will benefit us all through limiting rate rises, increasing tourist spend and attracting greater inward investment."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2007
Litter warning to smoke-free Belfast
Extra litter wardens are being drafted in by Belfast City Council to cope with the expected increase in cigarette litter when Northern Ireland goes smoke-free this April.
Litter warning to smoke-free Belfast
Extra litter wardens are being drafted in by Belfast City Council to cope with the expected increase in cigarette litter when Northern Ireland goes smoke-free this April.
29 June 2009
Clampdown On Belfast Littering
Dropped litter in the NI capital is being taken increasingly seriously. Belfast City Council is highlighting its 'Litter - get a grip!' campaign which is to introduce a new clampdown on offenders.
Clampdown On Belfast Littering
Dropped litter in the NI capital is being taken increasingly seriously. Belfast City Council is highlighting its 'Litter - get a grip!' campaign which is to introduce a new clampdown on offenders.
07 August 2013
Survey Reveals Extent Of NI Beach Litter
Northern Ireland's beaches contain over four thousand pieces of litter for every kilometre, according to a new report.
Survey Reveals Extent Of NI Beach Litter
Northern Ireland's beaches contain over four thousand pieces of litter for every kilometre, according to a new report.
30 April 2004
Northern Ireland beach litter figure drops
Northern Ireland has seen a decrease in the amount of litter on its beaches, despite a rise in the UK annual figure. The results were revealed in the UK’s biggest annual beach clean and litter survey, carried out in September 2003 by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Northern Ireland beach litter figure drops
Northern Ireland has seen a decrease in the amount of litter on its beaches, despite a rise in the UK annual figure. The results were revealed in the UK’s biggest annual beach clean and litter survey, carried out in September 2003 by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
08 June 2009
Wildlife Conservation Charity Urges Introduction Of Marine Bill
One of the largest wildlife conservation charities in Europe, RSPB, has warned about the importance of taking action against the filth in the seas around Northern Ireland.
Wildlife Conservation Charity Urges Introduction Of Marine Bill
One of the largest wildlife conservation charities in Europe, RSPB, has warned about the importance of taking action against the filth in the seas around Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
