AQW 25423/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 08/11/2021
Answered On Date: 18/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) when the Better Beaches Forum last met; and (ii) when the Better Beaches Forum is due to meet again.

Answer:

The Better Beaches Forum last met on 25 October 2021 and discussed the following topics:

2021 bathing season and bathing water compliance;

Updates on activities from NI Water and bathing water operators;

Updates from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful on beach awards and availability of funding streams for projects and environmental outreach;

Use of Personal Watercraft and powers held by statutory bodies;

Single-use plastics and waste prevention, future projects and legislation;

2022 Review of bathing waters.

Given the current range of issues, the Better Beaches Forum has agreed to meet again before the next bathing season in Spring 2022.