“There is already a high awareness among people here of charging for bags, not least because that is our experience travelling to the Republic of Ireland. I believe we can quickly adjust to the levy. People tell me they are concerned about climate change and want to find ways to make personal, family and local contributions to addressing the threat. The levy is precisely this.”
Retailers are required to pass the proceeds of the levy to the Department of Environment in Northern Ireland each quarter. Proceeds will be used to help business, charities, schools and others to improve the environment.