AQW 11068/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/04/2024
Answered On Date: 09/05/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the repercussions, from this summer onwards, for (i) Lough Neagh; (ii) downstream waterways from Lough Neagh; and (iii) the north coast should plans to address pollution and blue-green algae levels not be initiated.

Answer:

My Department is already taking forward a range of work aimed at addressing the problems at the Lough. I advised you of some of this work in my response to AQW 5594/22-27.

It is widely accepted that the blue-green algae blooms which were seen in watercourses across Northern Ireland last year, particularly in Lough Neagh, are highly likely to recur both in 2024 and in subsequent years.

& (iii) This will have serious implications for not only the Lough itself but for downstream waterways and north coast beaches.

I have made it clear that my assessment is that there are no quick fixes to the occurrence and probable re-occurrence of blue-green algae blooms and that we need to work collectively to secure longer term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland.