Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots has this month announced that he is to make an additional £300,000 in funding available to environment and conservation groups. A proportion of the money will be offered to some of the current applicants to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Natural Heritage Grant Programme, while some will be made available to those applying for funding next year.
The Minister said, "I greatly value the contribution made by environmental organisations to protecting our countryside and wildlife. In particular, they engage people in caring for and enjoying their local environment. I have decided to direct £300,000 in unspent swine flu funds to the Agency's Natural Heritage Grant Programme."
The NIEA have since notified nine organisations that will receive additional funding next year. Those that will benefit include the Belfast Hills Partnership, Mourne Heritage Trust and the RSPB. Mr Poots added, "While I am happy to make additional money available which will assist environmental groups next year, it should be remembered that the demands for funding are ever increasing . The NIEA cannot therefore commit to maintaining levels of funding at today's levels. We will continue to make funding decisions based on priorities which will be clearly communicated to applicants. Councils and environmental Non-Government Organisations are encouraged to consider alternative ways of delivering and funding projects in the future, collaborating where appropriate."
