O’Loan welcomes reduction in plastic bag usage

He was speaking after the announcement by DOE of provisional figures for the first quarter of the single-use bag levy.

Cllr O’Loan said: “While understanding that we need a full year’s figures to get the full picture, this is a dramatic reduction in the number of plastic bags getting into circulation and it is very good for the environment.

“I believe that this measure enjoys a high level of public support. However there are still 17.5 million bags issued in one quarter and that is 10 bags for every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland. I would encourage people to think ahead and have a bag with them.”

People will be aware that the levy is going to rise to 10p per bag so there is every reason to get organised now.”