Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn said, "I am delighted to support the expansion of glass recycling collections across Belfast to an additional 23k households. This initiative represents a vital step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city and something the Green Party has been advocating for on behalf of residents for years."

"Glass recycling is not just about waste management; it’s about reducing our carbon footprint, conserving energy, and embracing a circular economy model through local businesses reusing our glass recycling. By increasing access to glass recycling collections, we are empowering residents to make eco-conscious choices and significantly reducing the volume of recyclable materials sent to landfill, which is costing residents in ever increasing landfill taxes."

"This expansion is a clear example of how local government can take meaningful action on climate change. However, there is much more to be done. As we work together to create a greener, cleaner, fairer Belfast, I will continue to advocate for innovative waste reduction strategies, improved infrastructure for recycling, and greater community engagement in sustainability initiatives."

"I urge all residents to take full advantage of the expanded service and join us in building a greener, cleaner, fairer Belfast for future generations."

ENDS

Notes: Belfast City Council has tonight ratified a decision to expand kerbside glass recycling collections to an additional 23k households across Belfast, a full list of streets affected is below.

Green Party Councillor Anthony Flynn has reacted to the decision by the Communities Minister, to force Councils to return to in-person meetings from 6th March.

Cllr Flynn said "This is an incredibly short-sighted move by the minister, which seems to be more ideological, rather than practical."

"The ability to attend Council meetings remotely ensures councils are more accessible to those with particular needs, including those with caring responsibilities or physical or mental needs. Employers are required under employment law to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to do your job, Councils should be no different and should instead be leading the way in accessibility."

"The Minister seems to forget that Councillors don't attend council meetings full time. We are often required to attend meetings at various times throughout the day, often during work hours, the ability to attend remotely increases accessibility whilst maintaining productivity at meetings. It wouldn't be a huge burden on the minister to simply extend the current regulations to allow for remote meetings, until his department has time to implement new regulations."

"The Green Party calls on the minister to reverse this short-sighted decision, and extend the current provisions for remote meetings."

ENDS

Reacting to the news that Belfast City Council has launched a public consultation on new city centre byelaws, Green Party Councillor, Anthony Flynn said "I am delighted that after a long internal process, Belfast city council has now launched a consultation on creating new byelaws dealing with amplification in our city centre."

"These new byelaws are intended to address the concerns that many residents, Councillors and business owners have with nuisance noise in our city centre. Some parts of our city centre have become inaccessible at various times of the day because of the noise, these modest changes to byelaws are about creating a city centre that is open, accessible and welcoming for all."

"Residents will now have until 4th March 2024 to have their say on these proposed changes, I would encourage everyone to please take the time to fill in the survey."

ENDS