Authorities in Northern Ireland will impose a new bag tax on plastic bags in the region in order to discourage the use of such bags that adds to pollution and litter river banks.

The Department of Environment will implement the tax from Monday in a move aimed at reducing waste. The charge on single plastic bags is set to double next year to reduce its use in the region. Data shows that people use 30,000 carrier bags every hour in Northern Ireland. Environment Minister Alex Attwood has said that he hopes the rate will be reduced by about 80 per vent after the imposition of the tax.

Attwood said, "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. Shoppers can completely avoid paying the levy by bringing their own bags when shopping."

He pointed out that the use of reusable bags will be beneficial due to less raw materials, carbon emissions and reduced air and water pollution. The funds raised through the new tax will support voluntary and community groups working on sustainability projects.