Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: “Just because harmful emission levels are falling does not mean to say that Northern Ireland is doing all it can on green issues. Today we heard that government in the Republic of Ireland is planning to increase their plastic bag levy but our Executive has not even introduced one yet. We need action, not words..
“There’s much to be done to realise the potential that Northern Ireland holds as regards the green economy.
“Increasing sustainable energy production and improving energy efficiency in homes could create many jobs here and the Stormont Executive should produce a green new deal as a matter of urgency.
“There must be no complacency in the heart of government about the need to meet environmental challenges head-on.”
ENDS