AQO 1940/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 10/04/2025
Answered On Date: 07/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on actions to address blue-green algae at Lough Neagh.

Answer:

I am pleased to report that implementation of the actions in the Lough Neagh Action Plan is progressing well.

Of the 37 actions contained within the Action Plan, 10 of these have been delivered and I am committed to driving forward the implementation of the remaining actions.

This work includes the progress on the Sustainable use of Livestock Slurry and Lough Neagh Blue Green Algae Small Business Research Initiatives, enhanced responses to reports of water pollution through an increase in Water Quality Inspectors and an increased focus on areas of highest risk, with DAERA officials undertaking increased waterway inspections within several Lough Neagh catchments of concern.

I would stress that there are no quick fixes to the issues in Lough Neagh and it will take many years, if not decades, to see substantial recovery, such is the depth and complexity of the problem.