Derry nursery school children are set to benefit from the Carrier Bag Levy.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced 250 Challenge Fund environmental projects were to share £2.2 million raised by the charge introduced earlier this year.
The Challenge Fund has been made possible by the five pence levy collected on carrier bags and provides vital funding for communities and organisations to develop a number of new and inspiring local environmental projects across Northern Ireland.
One million pounds had initially been set aside. Due to the overwhelming response this was more than doubled. In total, 251 projects have successfully bid for granted funding.
The successful projects are spread throughout rural and urban Northern Ireland and involve local communities, youth groups, senior citizens and environmental groups. primary and secondary schools, universities and colleges.
The Derry project will see a “wild woods” outdoor classroom provided for local nursery children.
Minister Durkan said the Carrier Bag Levy was very much the “People’s Fund.”
He added: “It is only right therefore that so many people across a wide variety of ages and locations both urban and rural will benefit.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “This fund has inspired local communities to work together and I have been really impressed by the level of partnership between local businesses, schools, youth groups and residents.”
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