More than one million fewer carrier bags were issued by retailers in Northern Ireland in the last year.

Almost 100 million bags were handed out in the 12 months to April, new figures show.

That represents a drop of 67% since the scheme was introduced in 2013, when an estimated 300 million carrier bags were dispensed here.

The amount of bags issued in 2016/17 was 1.2% lower than the previous year, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The revenue collected from the levy in the last financial year was £5m — down £200,000 on the previous year.

The levy has been used to fund environmental projects, tackling illegal dumping and financing urban clean-up projects as well as helping schools and community groups deliver small scale projects.

The figures are based on information supplied by almost 3,000 retailers in Northern Ireland

Green Party leader Steven Agnew welcomed the fall, saying it had many environmental benefits.

“I am pleased that we are using less plastic bags across Northern Ireland,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

“No-one wants to see old, ripped plastic bags fluttering around as litter.

“Plastic bags in oceans and seas are also a source of dioxin and other pollutants that are changing marine habitats.

“Since 2013, we’ve all got used to taking reusable bags out shopping with us — it has become a way of life. We shouldn’t forget that there is much work still to be done to meet waste from household recycling targets.

“It’s important that our devolved institutions are restored and we push on with the measures that will make a positive difference to our lives, health and environment.”

Analysis of the figures reveals seasonal variation in the use of bags, which may relate to the summer and Christmas periods when there is a higher volume of tourists and shoppers

In October, 2016, prior to the stalling of the Assembly, then Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen had announced plans to review the carrier bag levy.

These included proposals to increase the levy to 10p per bag or also consider scrapping it all together.

Belfast Telegraph