Antrim Councillor Alan Lawther said: “This move is long overdue and I am glad that the Minister is recognizing the importance of joined-up thinking and joined-up government in dealing with climate change.
“There is a serious need for engagement between a number of government departments on this matter and the creation of this group will facilitate this.
“Northern Ireland has the potential to be a world leader in sustainability if we act quickly to implement a Green New Deal. With vision and action in this area we can create many jobs in renewable energy production and provide construction jobs to deliver a programme of home insulation to help conserve energy.”
ENDS