Assembly to discuss rescue plan for Lough Neagh

The Northern Ireland Assembly will discuss the formation of a cross-department body and new management structure for Lough Neagh on Tuesday.

It follows a ‘Lough Neagh Rescue Plan’ motion from Sinn Fein MLAs Philip McGuigan, Linda Dillon and Declan Kearney.

They call on Stormont to “recognise the vital importance of Lough Neagh to our environment, ecology and drinking water supply” as well as tourism, fishing and leisure following the devastating outbreak of toxic blue-green algae in summer.

It outlines “grave concern” about the “ecological damage” caused by the bloom saying it “choked the Lough and spread throughout our waterways and beaches”.

The MLAs say “a cross-departmental body” should be set up to address the immediate issues facing Lough Neagh.

Blue-green algae at Oxford Island, August 24, 2023

They have also called on “the Executive to put in place a new management structure and plan to include input from communities and organisations with an interest in the welfare of the Lough, so that it can be managed, protected and promoted in the interest of all”.

Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs officials are working on a 113 point plan to deal with the algae that ‘poisoned’ Lough Neagh last year, costing the lives of pets and birds as well as jobs.

It is understood to include decisions that will have to be taken by the Executive.

They include a £131 million investment in waste water treatment, a scheme to upgrade domestic wastewater treatment like septic tanks and reducing or eliminating the use of fertiliser containing phosphorous on grassland.

Other proposals include:

• Developing a fertiliser database
• A consultation on the updated Nitrates Action Plan
• Nature based interventions
• A potential land-use strategy for Northern Ireland
• Consieration of establishing a Water Forum
• Regulation [of existing rules]

DAERA has been contacted for comment.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.