Tyrone campaigner criticises Stormont over lough pollution

AS blue-green algae once again plagues Lough Neagh with the arrival of warmer weather, a Cookstown environmental campaigner has launched a scathing critique of Stormont’s handling of the ongoing crisis.

Dr Louise Taylor has warned that the current infrastructure in place to deal with wastewater is ‘not fit for purpose’ and urgently needs investment, stating that the situation could become catastrophic in the coming weeks.

“While action has been taken to try and tackle the issue, it simply won’t be enough,” Dr Taylor said.

“The current recovery plan puts more responsibility on the community, but it really needs to focus more on the infrastructure.”

According to Dr Taylor, the Lough Neagh Action Plan released in July last year only makes one reference to infrastructure – and fails to mention the potential cost of upgrades, which she estimates could run into the millions.

She believes that the responses from Stormont are downplaying the role of raw sewage being discharged into the lough, which she claims is worsening the algae blooms beyond what has been seen in nearby areas such as Brantry and Ballygawley.

“Farmers are often made scapegoats in this,” she added. “But I’ve spoken with many who are trying their best. The real issue they keep raising is infrastructure.”

Dr Taylor also criticised the NI Executive for what she described as a lack of honesty and transparency with the public.

“When are they going to step up, be honest about this, and stop treating us with such disrespect?” she said.

While she praised local residents for their efforts to support clean-up initiatives, Dr Taylor warned that the worst may be yet to come.

“If we get even a few weeks of warm weather, this could be disastrous,” she said.

“This is more than an environmental concern – it’s about people’s health. For many, this is their drinking water. This is insanity.”