SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan has welcomed Derry City and Strabane District Council’s endorsement of DAERA’s Tackling Plastic Initiative in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
Miss Durkan has encouraged people to engage with the wider #PlasticFreeJuly campaign, urging individuals, families, schools, businesses and organisations to make their own plastic pledges.
Said Cllr Durkan: “The New Decade New Approach agreement included a commitment to working towards eliminating plastic pollution.
“The government’s Tackle Plastic Initiative is a welcome step, but we need the Minister for Agriculture and the Executive to make sure relevant legislation and action-based strategies are brought forward without delay.
“I am delighted that Derry City and Strabane District Council have reaffirmed their previous commitment to remove single-use plastics from premises, facilities, events and services by 2023.”
Miss Durkan added: “There are small changes that every single one of us can make to reduce the amount of single-use plastic we use that is inevitably ending up on our shores and in our ecosystems.
“Our council is also committed to a zero waste circular economy strategy, and I am seeking updates on its positive implementation.
“Put simply, a more circular economy will allow us to better protect our planet and our communities in the long run.”
Miss Durkan also acknowledged the difficulties in tackling plastic use arising out of the global pandemic.
“The need for single-use PPE has ultimately led to disposable masks and gloves ending up in oceans.
“Outside of the healthcare sector, there has been a renaissance of single-use plastics with businesses relying on disposable cups and single-use cutlery and plastic wrapping.
“However, the focus on hygiene and health does not mean that plastic elimination should fall off the radar. Covid-19 has reminded us all of our interconnectedness and it has shown how behavioural changes can happen.”
