MLA McKay welcomes Challenge Fund

The £300,000 fund for environmental and social projects is made up of the proceeds from Mr McKay’s Carrier Bag Levy that he secured in the last Assembly.

He said: “At a time when budgets are getting tighter it is great to see that the Carrier Bag Levy is still providing such significant support to community groups and schools as well as environmental NGOs.

“I would urge groups across North Antrim to apply to this fund. Groups can secure up to £8,000 whilst schools can secure up to £4,000. Community groups can make applications up until noon 26 June, and schools have a later deadline of noon 25 September.

“It has given me great pleasure to see so many groups in North Antrim avail of this fund to date. Last year 150 groups benefitted across thenorth that are involved in grass roots work.

“It is important that the revenues from the carrier bag levy continues to go to environmental projects and groups as I intended when I introduced the legislation.”