To ask the Minister of the Environment, given the recent assessment by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful outlining litter levels on beaches, what steps his Department is taking to (i) address current levels of litter; and (ii) ensure this does not negatively impact on coastal tourism.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has undertaken the Marine Survey on behalf of my Department since September 2012. Fourteen reference beaches are each surveyed 4 times a year. These beaches were specifically chosen because they are not regularly cleaned by local authorities. Following the survey, the litter is removed for disposal. Last year, this resulted in 20,000 fewer items of litter on these beaches.

Reporting on the extent and composition of marine litter means that the effectiveness of management and mitigation measures can be assessed, sources and activities which lead to litter pollution can be identified, and resources focused on how to best tackle the problem.

Statutory responsibility for addressing levels of litter on local amenity beaches lies primarily with beach operators, who for the most part are the relevant local authorities in which the beach is located.

My Department has issued a revised statutory Code of Practice on Litter which makes it clear that amenity beaches should, as a minimum standard, generally be kept clear of all types of litter during the traditional bathing season from 1 May to 30 September inclusive.

I chair the Good Beach Summit which brings together beach operators and other organisations with an interest in healthy beaches both from an amenity and water quality perspective. This group has developed and implemented an action plan which addresses the issue of beach cleanliness and water quality.

The Marine Litter Strategy was published by my Department in July 2013 to address the problem of coastal litter. Key strands within the Strategy are awareness-raising, data collection, statutory deterrents, coastal infrastructure and removal of litter. Specific measures taken include the Marine Survey, volunteering programmes, the Carrier Bag levy and Blue Flag Awards which can promote coastal tourism.

On 9 October 2014, I had the privilege of presenting the Coca-cola sponsored Coast Care Awards at an event managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. This event recognised and rewarded the work of dedicated volunteers who regularly clean up our coast and inland waterways. I am also happy to note that in 2014 we gained 2 new Blue Flag beaches.

The Carrier Bag levy was introduced by my Department in April 2013 and already the environmental benefits are being realised. The 2013 Marine Survey recorded 24% fewer plastic bags on beaches in the period following the introduction of the levy.