Renewables developer B9 Organic Energy and Craigahulliar Energy have signed contracts to develop and operate the gas–fuelled electricity plant.

It will be situated at the Craigahulliar landfill site, near the town.

It will able to generate 850 kW, enough to power more than 500 homes.

The facility will convert emissions from waste into electricity.

Power from the project will be sold to Airtricity under an initial three–year power–purchase agreement.

Funding for the project was sourced by London–based investment manager, Triple Point, which has been actively exploring funding opportunities for energy projects in Northern Ireland.

Ian McLennan of Triple Point said: “We are delighted to be playing our part to ensure that this energy source is being utilised in Northern Ireland to help deliver on government targets.”

Richard Murphy, a lawyer at Pinsent Masons in Belfast, said: “The market for small and medium scale renewables projects remains very attractive in Northern Ireland.

“(That is) due to enhanced support for certain technologies under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation scheme, the main incentive scheme to encourage renewables.”

Can you help the campaign for an effective Marine Bill for Northern Ireland?

2012 is an important year for Northern Ireland’s marine environment.

The Northern Ireland Marine Bill is currently being debated at Stormont. This crucial piece of legislation will determine how our seas are managed in the future. We are already years behind England, Scotland and Wales in protection for our seas. The NI Marine Bill will introduce powers for the creation of a new type of protected area, called Marine Conservation Zones. These are areas of the sea dedicated to the protection of species, habitats or features on the sea floor (like caves and reefs).

The Environment Committee are currently scrutinising the Marine Bill and this is the best time to tell our MLAs how important the Marine Bill is, in this quick and easy campaign action.

We at NIMTF have teamed up with NICVA – the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action to send a clear message to our MLAs that nature must be at the heart of new marine legislation. Your help is needed…

What you can do?

1)      Follow the link www.communityni.org/campaign/marine-act to NICVA and email your local MLAs. Ask them to support the creation of a NI network of Marine Conservation Zones with effective enforcement measures to protect and nurture the most important sites and species found in our waters. This action is really quick and easy to do with a pre–prepared template!

2)      Go to the NIMTF website and vote ‘Yes’ for a Marine Bill with wildlife at its heart – www.nimtf.org/. Please note, that the website poll only lets you vote once from your internet account– it recognises your Internet Provider address! To have your vote registered please do it from your own home computer or any other internet accessible device that you may have.

3)      Why not ‘tweet’ your support – and in 140 characters, tell us what the sea means to you. Use the hash tag #theseameanstome to let us know your thoughts, memories, hopes and fears for the future of our seas.

With your support, we can help to shape an important piece of legislation, of which we can be proud of for years to come!

Many thanks for your continued support.

For further details please contact the NIMTF

Email: info@nimtf.org

Richard Devlin– Marine Campaign Co–ordinator: 0772 557 3692

Location: Belfast

Interested in using your planning or conservation skills to protect Northern Ireland’s wildlife?

RSPB are looking for a motivated person to develop and promote RSPB’s positions on planning, the safeguard of designated wildlife sites, and protected species. You will be confident working with a wide range of contacts from business to government. The overall aim is to ensure Northern Ireland leads in sustainable development by influencing land–use planning policy, development management and relevant environmental and wildlife legislation. A degree and experience in planning, regulation and/or an environmental discipline such as conservation or geography will be required.

Salary

£26,000 to £28,000 pa

Hours & contract information

Hours: Full time
Replacement post: Yes

Closing date: 25 May 2012
Interview date: 8 June 2012

How to apply

For complete details of this post (including an application form) please download an application pack. When you return the application form, ensure that you include reference number 410512 on any correspondence.

PDF version (777Kb, requires Adobe Reader)

Word version (47Kb, requires Microsoft Word)

Who to contact

For questions about this post
Anne–Marie McDevitt
anne-marie.mcdevitt@rspb.org.uk
028 9069 0838

Send application forms to
Susan Kula
susan.kula@rspb.org.uk
The RSPB, Northern Ireland Headquarters, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast, BT8 7QT, 028 9069 9097

The fish population of the lakes of Fermanagh could be hit if the fracking method of natural gas extraction is introduced to the county, a Stormont minister has warned.

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Caral Ni Chuilin, who has responsibility for inland waterways, told the Assembly that chemical leaks or water–level reductions could damage stocks.

Sites in Fermanagh have been identified as potentially rich sources of gas but no permission has been granted for fracking to take place. The method sees water, sand and chemicals injected into shale rock hundreds of metres underground at high pressure, forcing gas up and out through a drilled well.

In response to a question from Green MLA Steven Agnew, the minister expressed her fears about the controversial extraction technique on the natural environment and habitats.

She added: “The fracking process requires large amounts of water. This could result in lowering of the water levels, which would have a detrimental effect on fish populations.”

It is the highest figure ever, with 16 out of 24 beaches getting the top award.

The good news comes after years of being near the bottom of the UK’s recommended bathing waters league.

It is 25% better than the previous year and, this time, no beaches failed the basic standards.

The recommendations come from the Marine Conservation Society in their annual Good Beach Guide.

For more information go to 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17927115

The Connswater Greenway Plan aims to build a community greenway and alleviate flooding in east Belfast.

Construction work stopped last year when the contractors and Belfast City Council became embroiled in a dispute over how the contract was being delivered.

New tenders for the work will be advertised shortly.

Last week an independent mediator recommended that the contract be terminated.

Belfast City Council has now written to the two contractors and a council spokesman has confirmed that the contract has been ended because of a failure to provide an agreed design and progress the contract accordingly.

The planned greenway would stretch from the Castlereagh hills to Victoria Park and would create walkways and cycle paths and alleviate flooding.

A spokesman for the two contractors – SIAC NI Limited and Galliford Try Infrastructure – declined to comment.

An investigation found major failures by planners reacting to complaints over an apparent breach of planning permission at the mine outside Omagh.

In 2008 and 2009 Omagh Minerals allowed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rock from the mine to be removed by truck along a narrow road network without the necessary planning consent.

In spite of several objections, it took the Planning Service more than a year to issue an enforcement notice telling the company to stop the unauthorised removal of the rock.

For more information go to  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17931871

The first award recognises the individual allotment gardener and is divided into two categories: Experienced and Novice Gardener.  The winner in each category will receive €500 and an RDS Silver Medal.  The runner–up will be awarded €300 and third place €200.

The second award recognises the work of allotment providers and is open to local authorities, allotment societies, community gardening groups and individuals who are providing allotments.  The winner of this award will receive a cheque for €1,000 and an RDS Silver Medal.

Closing date for entries is Friday, June 8, 2012. To apply, simply fill in the attached form and return it to me by post or email. Please pass this on to any allotment providers or gardeners who you think might be interested in applying.

For more information see http://www.rds.ie/cat_project_detail.jsp?itemID=308412

Lough Neagh (17 April)

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Official-Report/Reports-11-12/17-April-2012/#a1
Mr Molloy moved a motion that called onthe Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to convene a working group to explore and pursue actively the potential for a cross–departmental approach to bring Lough Neagh back into public ownership.  All parties with the exception of the UUP and the TUV supported the motion and during the debate members were reminded that many departments including DCAL, DARD, DOE, DRD and DETI ‘all need to be around the table’.

Written Answers to Questions

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120413.pdf     Page: 516

NSMC Meetings – Loughs Agency: Prosecutions (13 April)

The Minister was asked, further to her statement on 26 March 2012 on the North–South Ministerial Council meeting, how many people have been (i) arrested or questioned; (ii) charged; and (iii) processed through the courts and with what result, in relation to the (a) 161 nets; (b) 12 boats; and (c) 2 cars that were seized; and what happened to the seized items. The Minister replied that no one was arrested as the Loughs Agency does not have the power of arrest. 18 people have been charged with all cases remaining pending. In relation to the seized items, 80 nets and 5 boats have been the subject of destruction orders by the courts and 81 nets, 7 boats and 2 cars are in the process of being presented to the courts for orders for their forfeiture and destruction.

Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120413.pdf       Page: 579

Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive (13 April)    

The Minister provided an update on the proposed Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive and when it will be introduced. Following the consultation last year on proposals, DETI has been undertaking further analysis on the potential design of the RHI, including a re–assessment of tariff levels, eligible technologies and banding. This work has been completed and the design of the RHI scheme is being finalised and all necessary approvals are being sought. This includes the necessary State Aid approval, without which the scheme cannot be introduced. The Department is in contact with Brussels on this matter, while the timing of the approval is outside of DETI’s control, they are hopeful that this would by obtained by June. The Minister intended to provide further information on the launch of the scheme as soon as all approvals are in place.

Minister of the Environment

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120413.pdf     Page: 607

PPS21 Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (13 April)

The Minister provided an overview of the responses to the consultation on PPS21 draft Supplementary Planning Guidance. ‘Building on Tradition’ a draft sustainable rural design guide for the Countryside consultation ended on 8 July 2011. DoE received 28 responses and ‘overall, the draft guidance has been positively received, with around two–thirds of respondents expressing broad support for its contents’. Many respondents made suggestions however on how particular aspects of the draft guidance could be improved upon. In the main, the comments received related to relatively minor points concerning for example, terminology and the use of language, as opposed to fundamental concern with the overall approach, the Minister has agreed amendments to the Design Guide which has been refined and improved. Subject to Executive endorsement, his intention is that the design guide is published in final form before the summer recess.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) (April 20)

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120420.pdf     Page: 19

The Minister was asked what steps he is taking to improve his Department’s performance in enforcing Tree Preservation Orders. In response he stated that he believed robust measures should be taken in relation to planning offences and that enforcement – particularly for serious environmental and planning issues – needs to be escalated. He had been assessing how to achieve this and has made it ‘crystal clear’ to his staff that more robust enforcement is an essential element of a balanced planning system. He has also asked his officials to review existing procedures for alerting DoE outside office hours of active tree felling. In addition, commencing in this new business year, he has asked that his officials provide him with monthly reports in relation to enforcement activities associated with High Priority cases including trees protected by a TPO. He has done this because it is rare for a TPO to end up in court proceedings and he wished to ensure that action is and is seen to be taken against those who breach TPOs.

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120420.pdf     Page: 7

Common Agricultural Policy: Less–favoured Areas (LFA) Scheme (20 April)

The Minister outlined potential changes to the LFA scheme under the current EU CAP proposals. The Minister stated that the LFA Compensatory Allowances Scheme currently forms an important part of our Rural Development Programme and operates under Pillar II of the CAP. DARD undertook a review of the support arrangements for less favoured areas in 2009 with the evidence pointing to an underpinning rationale and need for continuing LFA support with a clear focus on delivering positive environmental outcomes and, in particular, avoiding land abandonment and environmental degradation. The European Commission published legislative proposals for CAP post 2013 last October and these include a provision, within Pillar II of the CAP, to continue support for LFAs (or Areas of Natural constraint) post 2013. However, there are some potential changes to the architecture of the Pillar II support in that payments may require to be linked more closely to compensating farmers for the additional costs incurred and income foregone of those farming in the LFAs and to be degressive above a threshold level of area per holding. The CAP Reform post 2013 proposals also provide for an optional payment for areas with natural constraints within Pillar I, but Pillar II payments would need to take account of any Pillar I payment. The future of LFA support beyond 2013 will also depend on the outcome of the EU–led project on the re–designation of these areas. The EU Commission has proposed that the future designation of areas of natural constraint should be based on a set of objective biophysical criteria. The proposals also suggest that these new designations be in place from 1 January 2014.

Common Agricultural Policy (20 April)
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120420.pdf     Page: 8

The Minister outlined the implications of a possible transitional period between the existing and a reformed CAP if its implementation is delayed beyond January 2014. The current CAP legislation covers the period up to the end of 2012 for the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme and to the end of 2013 for Rural Development Schemes (including Less Favoured Areas and Agri–Environment Schemes). The CAP Reform proposals are intended to apply from 1 January 2014 onwards. Hence the Commission has published a transitional regulation for SFP in 2013 scheme year which is scheduled to be agreed later this year. It is in the most part a rollover of existing arrangements and therefore the Minister anticipated that our current systems and process will suffice in relation to 2013. She was aware that it is possible that the implementation of the CAP Reform proposals will be delayed beyond 2014 and DARD are currently pressing the EU Commission to come forward with proposals to deal with this scenario. At this stage the EU Commission is reluctant to concede that there will be a delay. It is anticipated that any interim arrangements in 2014 for SFP will be a rollover of the current scheme which should mean minimal changes to existing systems and processes. The position in relation to Rural Development schemes in 2014 is more complicated and hence DARD are pressing the EU Commission to come forward with proposals at the earliest opportunity so that the necessary systems, staff and processes can be put in place.

Woodland (April 20)

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Documents/Answer-Book/2012/120420.pdf     Page: 8

The Minister provided an assessment of DARDs performance in meeting its target to increase woodland coverage. The Forest Service business plan target in 2011/12 was to create 250ha of new woodland under the Woodland Grant Scheme and by 1 March 2012 this target had been exceeded and 284ha was planted. However she acknowledged that this rate of planting is insufficient to meet their aim to increase woodland cover to 12% of land area by 2050. To help achieve this aim, last November she announced that Forest Service will review support arrangements for private planting to increase the rate of woodland creation. She also indicated that the review will take account of the Commission’s proposals under the draft Rural Development Regulation. While she acknowledges requirement of agricultural land for food production, she is aware of a limited amount of such land, that since 2008 has or may become ineligible under the Single Farm Payment (SFP) scheme, or which is not in good agricultural and environmental condition. This land may be suitable for forestry planting in a way to help farmers comply with their SFP responsibilities. Forest Service will explore the potential of this land with stakeholders in advance of the 2013 planting season.

The YouGov survey of more than 2,800 people revealed that 85% supported calls for the Government to introduce legislation to make energy companies cut their use of foreign fossil fuels and increase wind, wave, solar, hydro and tidal sources of electricity.

Ahead of an international clean energy conference in London, at which the Prime Minister is expected to make his first major environmental speech since coming to power, Friends of the Earth urged Mr Cameron to back clean British energy.

The poll, conducted for the environmental group, found just 4% were strongly opposed to a move towards renewables, while a third (33%) were strongly in favour.

Those quizzed were asked to rank which energy sources they wanted to see more of as coal and nuclear power stations are closed in the next decade, with wave and tidal power getting the most backing – from more than a quarter of people (26%) – as the number one choice.

Nuclear came second as the most favoured option, backed by 22%, followed by 21% for solar and 17% for wind.

The majority of people were also in favour of the energy sources that produce UK electricity coming from the UK or the North Sea, rather than further afield.

Friends of the Earth’s “clean British energy” campaign – launched to urge the Government to stop the big six energy companies locking the UK into dependence on imported fossil fuels and to drive forward renewables – is backed by TV “dragon” Deborah Meaden.

The Dragons’ Den star said: “Gas, coal and nuclear are the technologies of the past. Our country has the skills and the talent to be world–beaters in the renewable energy technologies of right now.”

Friends of the Earth’s director of policy and campaigns Craig Bennett said: “The public has given a clear vote of confidence to clean British energy from our wind, sun and sea – it makes no sense for the Government to pursue an unwanted, costly dash for gas that’s causing our fuel bills to rocket.”

In granting permission, the judge observed that arguably DEFRA’s evidence shows that the proposed cull may in fact make matters worse and spread bovine TB. The case is likely to be heard at the High Court of London in June 2012.

The court’s decision times with DEFRA’s publication of the latest statistics on bovine TB. Despite the doomsday picture painted by DEFRA in the run up to the decision to cull in December 2011, the (belatedly published) statistics point to a slight decline in bovine TB –without a single badger being killed. Perhaps, more rigorous cattle testing and restrictions on infected cattle’s movement is having the positive effect predicted by the Independent Scientific Group (ISG) which concluded that culling would not work. 

Badger Trust’s solicitor, Gwendolen Morgan of Bindmans LLP said “We are pleased that the court has given the Badger Trust’s challenge the green light on all three grounds. The badger cull as proposed would make matters worse at great cost to farmers, badgers and rural communities.”

At the judicial review hearing, the Trust will ask the court to overturn DEFRA’s decision on the basis of three grounds:

1.   The Secretary of State has authorised Natural England to issue licences to reduce the rate of new incidences of bovine TB (although she expects a mere 12–16% reduction in bTB after 9 years at a huge net cost to the farmer). However, ‘reducing incidence’ is not the purpose for which the legal power was granted. The culls proposed will not meet the strict legal test of “preventing the spread of disease” in the areas being licensed, and may in fact amount to a recipe for spreading the disease. DEFRA’s own evidence confirms that the proposed cull would in fact prompt the spread of disease in and around the cull zones. Badger Trust considers that this is entirely antithetical to the aims in the strict test set down in section 10(2)(a) of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

2.   The cost impact assessment underpinning DEFRA’s decision is flawed, since its cost assumptions are based on the farmer free–shooting option (this is estimated to be approximately ten times cheaper than cage–trapping badgers before killing them). However, after the first year of piloting the cull plans, the free–shooting method may be ruled out for being inhumane, ineffective or unsafe to the public. In that case, farmers will find themselves legally obliged to continue the cull on the much more costly “trap and shoot” basis until the end of the four–year licence. This is a significant cost risk for farmers, yet it is not properly reflected in the cost impact assessment which underpinned DEFRA’s decision. The Secretary of State did not ask herself the right questions so as to obtain crucial information on costs. Badger Trust considers that this renders the decision entirely unlawful. Given the poor cost–benefit prognosis for the cull, the Trust also hopes that Parliament and the farming community will now carefully reconsider DEFRA’s ‘Big Society’ DIY cull plans.

3.   Guidance which DEFRA issued to Natural England is invalid. Under section 15(2) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 the Secretary of State may issue guidance to Natural England as to how Natural England should exercise its functions. However, killing badgers is not one of Natural England’s original functions, which are mainly focussed on maintaining biodiversity. Even though DEFRA is making Natural England responsible for the licensing arrangements, under section 10(2)(a) of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, culling badgers ‘for the prevention of spread of disease’ remains the Secretary of State’s own function. Thus, she had no legal power to issue section 15 guidance to Natural England in these circumstances.

The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has concluded this is, with regret, the better way to proceed.

The existing building on the site is vacant apart from the Athletic Stores. The new development will replace it. The Minister has exhaustively considered options to save the existing building which is not listed but is in a Conservation Area.

The building has serious structural flaws and is leaning into the street. It has been concluded that foundations and structure could not be refurbished to provide units for modern living and working. Many heritage campaigners accept that the entire building cannot be saved and converted to give it a useful life.

The option to retain the facades fronting the streets with a new building behind have been considered. The necessary works would affect character and would not be financially viable. This option has been assessed at length but this is the conclusion unfortunately that has been drawn.

Alex Attwood said: “I said that I would ‘call in’ the papers on the Athletic Stores application. I did. I interrogated the Belfast Planning Team on the application. I asked for facts and figures to be produced and tested. I visited the location twice and on the second occasion I invited representatives from the Ulster Architectural Historical Society to join me. I wanted to demonstrate that any decision – whatever its nature – was made, having looked at the issue from every side.

In the final analysis, I conclude that the planning decision for a retail and residential development is the better one unfortunate though that is. I have worked to see if the building, even the façade, could be saved. It has been a hard decision but I believe the better one. In coming to this view, I have been mindful of the risky state of the building, the unhealthy state of the property market and the disproportionate and uneconomic costs to even save the facade.”

Alex Attwood added: “This decision has preoccupied me, given the commitment to preserving our built heritage, trebling the threshold for listed buildings grants, investing in Carlisle Memorial Church and the Dry Dock in Titanic Quarter, spotlisting and serving Urgent Works Notices. I don’t come to this decision lightly but I consider it the better way to proceed.

“Decorative features of the existing building will be salvaged; the new project will be a boost to this central Belfast location, which has been in an increasing state of decline.”

In further highlighting why the reasons for the decision the Minister continued: “Let me outline further what would have happened had this planning application been turned down. Normally, we expect owners to place empty buildings on the open market in conservation areas. But existing buildings have lay empty in this area for years and no developer, especially in the present economic climate, will likely invest in a building where it is more expensive to refurbish than to knock down and rebuild. This is the hard reality of the market at present. I had to be decisive, reduce further decline and try to move the area forward.

“This is the context for a difficult decision, one reached with regret, after looking at the application from every side. “

Watching bumblebees buzzing around colourful clumps of flowers in the garden on a warm and sunny day is always enjoyable. Their furry rotund bodies and continual endeavours in search of nectar secure their place among our most endearing and compelling insects.

They also have fascinating social lives and play a crucial role in the overall health of our environment because they are prolific pollinators. Indeed, according to Anthony McCluskey of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, it is perhaps all too easy to underestimate the valuable ecological role played by bumblebees and this is why it is so important that strenuous efforts are focused on their conservation.

There is still much to learn about the natural history of bumblebees but what we do know is that all is not well with our populations and already two species in the UK have become extinct in the last 70 years and others have declined dramatically. Bumblebees are among the flagship creatures of our countryside and are also important from an economic standpoint, with their pollinating activities vital to agriculture and food production. In other words, should our bumblebees disappear, the whole ecosystem starts to collapse with potentially dire consequences.

“The main reasons for bumblebee declines are habitat loss and agricultural intensification, and this is why the focus of so much of our conservation work has been on trying to protect and restore flower–rich landscapes,” McCluskey explains. “In order for bumblebees to thrive we need more patches of wildflowers in field corners, margins, gardens, waste ground and roadside verges.”

There are 19 species in Scotland but in most areas only six are at all common and widespread – the white–tailed, buff–tailed, early, garden, common carder, and red–tailed bumblebees. All are attractive, but the red–tailed bumblebee is particularly so because of the striking contrast between the red on the tip of the abdomen and the shiny blackness of the rest of the body. Another gem is the common carder bee, so named because it knits grass and moss together to make its nest on the ground.

Most bumblebees have a similar social system to honey bees that incorporates workers, drones and a queen. However, instead of the many thousands of individuals found in a typical honey bee hive, bumblebee colonies usually only comprise a few hundred individuals at most. Another key difference is that each colony exists for less than a year and dies out in autumn, with only the young mated queens surviving over the winter in readiness for starting a new colony the following spring, which is often sited underground in a mouse or other hole. A particularly interesting and related group are the cuckoo bumblebees, which like their avian namesakes are social parasites that lay their eggs in the nests of true bumblebees.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is keen to see more farmers and landowners doing positive things by managing their land sympathetically for bees. Simple steps can make a big difference, particularly the timing of cutting and grazing of fields in order for plants to flower and produce seed. In the north of Scotland and the Western Isles, for example, the Trust is endeavouring to save one of our rarest species, the great yellow bumblebee, by working with farmers and crofters to raise awareness of its habitat requirements and the types of flowers that will help it survive.

While populations of most bumblebee species have been declining, we can make a big difference by having plants in gardens that bumblebees can use for food. McCluskey says careful planning for a succession of bee–friendly flowers can bring real benefits. “It is important to have suitable flowers from the start of bumblebee active season right until the end,” he says. “For spring, the best are heather, mahonia and lungwort. In early summer, allium, thyme and meadow’s cranesbill are all good, while in late summer lavender, aquilegia, campanula, borage and scabious are attractive.

“Bumblebees are essential parts of our ecosystems, as well as being great pollinators that help us produce a huge variety of food. The good news is that it is easy for gardeners to help bees by making a few changes that should see their gardens buzzing throughout summer.”

www.bumblebeeconservation.org

Subsequently, she managed a range of voluntary bodies and recently consulted on aspects of the reform of local government for three district councils.

Carrier bag charging will be introduced in two stages. In stage one a discounted levy of five pence for single use carrier bags, including bags made from plastic, paper or other materials, will be introduced from April 2013. This consultation relates specifically to the stage one legislation and the closing date for receipt of comments is 9 July 2012.

From April 2014, subject to Assembly approval of the required primary legislation, the levy will be extended to lower cost reusable carrier bags. This will provide consumers with an opportunity to adjust their shopping behaviour by bringing their own bags, in advance of full charging of 10p per bag and the extension of the levy in April 2014. This represents stage two of the implementation process.

Commenting on the stage one consultation the Minister said: “This new levy will be of interest to many consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland. It is important that I continue to engage with them and other interested stakeholders. I will consider carefully the outcome of the consultation exercise before taking final decisions on the content of the Regulations. I am confident that the levy can make a positive contribution towards making Northern Ireland a greener and cleaner place to live, work and invest. This can improve the quality of our lives, the quality of visitor experiences and promote employment in the environmental and tourist sectors.”

The Minister added: “This consultation will shape the final form and impact of the levy. I propose exemptions from the charge on grounds such as patient confidentiality, hygiene and food safety, and the protection of goods and consumers. A full list of the proposed exemptions is included in the draft Regulations and I want to hear people’s views on these.”

The Minister concluded: “I also want to ensure that interested consumers and retailers will have access to the most up to date information and guidance on the consultation process and on subsequent implementation. The consultation documents can be found on www.doeni.gov.uk/waste while background information on the levy is available at: www.rethinkwasteni.org/carrierbaglevy. Both websites will be updated regularly.”

This free, easily accessible, online digital archive of the UAHS photographic collections will now provide full public access to this unique resource. This archive, of currently 3,000 images, will allow a variety of users, from students to architects, artists to journalists along with those with a particular interest in local history and architecture, to use this searchable database of historic and contemporary buildings – including listed properties and buildings in conservation areas.

This valuable untapped resource, spans the whole of Northern Ireland, illustrating our rich architectural heritage including buildings that have since been lost, buildings at risk and exemplar buildings that have been restored demonstrating good practice in the conservation and protection of our built heritage.

If you wish to download our use any of these images please read the Profile and Licence information.

We welcome you passing this link on to your own contacts.

Immerse yourself in Schumacher College’s unique brand of transformative learning.

Learn alongside four teachers who are international leaders in their fields.

Examine fundamental questions about the nature of the economic crisis and explore how we can make the transition to a low–carbon, high well–being and resilient society.

11th–15th June 2012

Camphill Community Glencraig, Holywood, Co Down

For further information go to www.schumacherireland.org or contact John Woods: j.m.woods@qub.ac.uk

The Ice Berg trampoline inflatable water assault course will allow you to experience a different side to water sports; it is the perfect activity for birthday parties, hens, stags, schools and will be perfect for all the family over the Easter holidays!

Price:         £10 per person

Min group number:     10

To book contact us on 028 7136 3133 or email info@creggancountrypark.com

LIFE began in 1992 and to date there have been three complete phases of the programme (LIFE I: 1992–1995, LIFE II: 1996–1999 and LIFE III: 2000–2006). During this period, LIFE has co–financed some 3104 projects across the EU, contributing approximately €2.2 billion to the protection of the environment.

LIFE+ (2007 – 2013)

The current phase of the programme, LIFE+, runs from 2007–2013 and has a budget of €2.143 billion. The legal basis for LIFE+ is the Regulation (EC) No 614/2007. LIFE+ covers both the operational expenditure of DG Environment and the co–financing of projects. According to Article 6 of the LIFE+ Regulation, at least 78 percent of the LIFE+ budgetary resources must be used for project action grants (i.e. LIFE+ projects).

LIFE+ closely supports the four priorities of the 6th Environment Action Programme running from 2002–2013. These are:

• Climate change
• Nature and bio–diversity
• Health and quality of life
• Natural resources and waste

During the period 2007–2013, the European Commission will launch one call for LIFE+ project proposals per year. Proposals must be eligible under one of the programme’s three strands: LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity, LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance, and LIFE+ Information and Communication.    

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity

The Nature & Biodiversity component continues and extends the former LIFE–Nature programme. It will co–finance best practice or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives. In addition it will co–finance innovative or demonstration projects that contribute to the implementation of the objectives of Commission Communication (COM (2011) 244 final) “Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020”. At least 50% of the LIFE+ budget for project co–financing must be dedicated to LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity projects.

LIFE+ Environment Policy & Governance

The  Environment Policy & Governance component continues and extends the former LIFE–Environment strand. It will co–finance projects that contribute to the implementation of EU environmental policy, the development of innovative policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments, the knowledge base as regards environment policy and legislation, and the monitoring of environmental pressures (including the long–term monitoring of forests and environmental interactions).

LIFE+ Information & Communication

This component will co–finance projects that implement communication and awareness raising campaigns on environmental, nature protection or biodiversity conservation issues, as well as projects related to forest fire prevention (awareness raising, special training).

Co–financing under LIFE+

The maximum EU co–financing rate for LIFE+ projects is 50 percent of the total eligible project costs. By way of exception, a co–financing rate of up to 75 percent of the total eligible costs may be granted to LIFE+ Nature proposals that focus on concrete conservation actions for priority species or habitat types of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

There is no fixed minimum project budget size. However the EC does seem to favour the co–financing of large, ambitious LIFE+ proposals with a substantial budget, with the average grant awarded in excess of € 1 million.

This year, in a significant change, all applications must be made using the Commission’s newly introduced eProposal online tool. Access to the tool and all of the call documents, including the application guidelines, are available on the LIFE + website at

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/eproposalWeb/ and

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm

Proposals must be submitted only via eProposal web tool which includes all administrative, technical and financial application forms and functionalities to attach relevant documents (annexes, maps, photos, etc)

2012 Call for Proposals

The European Commission launched its annual call for proposals to be funded under LIFE+ programme on 13^th March 2012. A total of €276.6 million is available, with €21.6m allocated to the UK, in the form of co–funding for grant agreements.

The deadline for Member States to forward LIFE + project proposals to the European Commission is 2^nd October 2012.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the national competent authority for LIFE+ in the UK. Beta Technology   http://www.betaeurope.co.uk/life.htm  act as the UK National Contact Point for LIFE+ (on behalf of Defra) and provide a range of services to assist applicants in proposal preparation. They are responsible for collecting UK applications on behalf of Defra. Applications need to be with Defra by 26^th September 2012.

However, the Department of the Environment must provide a Government view and sign off Northern Ireland Environmental based LIFE+ projects (A8 Form) prior to forwarding to Beta Technology and eventually Defra.

The deadline for the submission of A8 Forms to the Department (Ken Bradley) is 29^th June 2012.

Key websites: Beta Technology – http://www.betaeurope.co.uk/life.htm (Beta’s role as NCP) EC LIFE+ – http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2011:062:0028:0030:EN:PDF

(LIFE+ Call for proposals 2012)

Project database – http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm (worth having a look before applying as LIFE+ does not fund recurring activities and gives you an idea of what it does fund)

Further information can be obtained from:  Alan Hamilton, Department of the Environment, Environmental Policy Division, 8^th Floor Goodwood House, 44–58 May Street, Belfast, BT1 1NN

Tel: 028 9025 4736

Email: alan.hamilton@doeni.gov.uk

The Green Gym Project Officer will be based within the Portglenone Enterprise Group and will focus on delivering a programme of environmental projects with a wide range of volunteers from local voluntary organisations.

More information can be found here.

The consultation document and relevant information can be found

here.