The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAREA) in Northern Ireland has launched a public consultation on a ‘Plastic Pollution Plan’ for Northern Ireland.
DAERA said that plastic packaging can end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter across the countryside and waterways.
In Northern Ireland, more than 250 million plastic bottles are thrown out each year, which equates to 95 plastic bottles per person, per year, according to the department.
“Combating our disposable culture by reducing our reliance on plastic materials and reusing them where possible is key to reducing harmful plastic pollution,” a DAERA statement said.
The Plastic Pollution Plan outlines the steps Northern Ireland can take to “progress towards a circular economy that is better for the health of people and the environment,” DAERA said.
The plan details the department’s plans to reduce plastic pollution through current policies and seeks public feedback on these measures as well as suggestions to further eliminate plastic pollution.
Launching the consultation, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir said: “Despite efforts made to date to tackle plastic pollution, it remains a serious problem in Northern Ireland. Everyone has a role to play in tackling plastic pollution.
“We need to do more to end the overconsumption of natural resources and unsustainable waste streams. The actions set out in this plan can help create new economic opportunities and good green jobs, as well as creating a cleaner environment for all,” he added.
“That’s why I am inviting all who wish to contribute to building a cleaner and more resilient environment to respond to the public consultation.”
The public consultation is open from today (Wednesday, July 2) and will run for 12 weeks, closing on September 24.
DAERA said that views are welcomed from all who “have an interest and wish to be part of reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution”.
AFBI Northern Ireland
Also this week, Minister Muir has appointed Siobhan McCauley as the new deputy chair of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) board.
McCauley has a background in economic and business development, and has considerable experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning.
As the former director of regional services at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, she was responsible for leading the regional housing services, providing strategic direction and oversight of large-scale investment and transformational initiatives.
