Alliance glad Foster is considering plastic bag levy and says our pressure is paying off

10.16.00am GMT Thu 6th Mar 2008

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther

Alliance Sustainability Spokesperson Cllr Alan Lawther has welcomed news that Environment Minister Arlene Foster has indicated she is considering the idea of placing a levy on plastic bags.

Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: "Alliance has been campaigning to have a levy placed on plastic bags for years. We are glad she is considering our way of thinking following years of pressure from Alliance on government to take steps to protect the environment.

"A levy on bags would not only mean less emissions because of less bags being produced, but would also mean less litter on our streets.

"Since the Republic of Ireland introduced their plastic bag levy, it has delivered a dramatic reduction in bag use and has generated a high level of revenue for environmental projects.

"This is a particularly trendy hobbyhorse for politicians recently, but I would like to remind people that it Alliance that has been leading the way in campaigning for this levy for years. We will continue to keep pressure on Arlene Foster and her Executive colleagues to do the right thing and protect the environment."

ENDS