Almost half a million pounds pledged for Lough Neagh

PHASE one of a new £450,000 project geared at addressing ecological issues in Lough Neagh has been launched today (Monday).

The Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), is being developed to explore potential solutions to treat and reduce blue-green algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of the lough and other associated water ways.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir said, “I am pleased to announce the launch of phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), supported by funding from both my department and the Department for the Economy.

“We all have a responsibility to work collectively to deliver sustainable solutions to address the issues facing Lough Neagh and to return it to its rightful state as an ecological jewel at the heart of Northern Ireland.

“I understand that this SBRI initiative will not fully address the blue-green algae problems, however it will contribute, along with the other actions contained in the Lough Neagh report, to help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”

In phase one five applicants will be selected to develop proof of concepts, then two to three concepts are selected and developed as potential pilot solutions in phase two.

The application window for phase one is open for six weeks and applications must be received by 3pm on Friday September 13.

A supplier information event will be held online on Wednesday August 14 for anyone wishing to obtain more details.

Registration is required and is available at by searching Lough Neagh Blue Green Algae Phase one SBRI Information event on Eventbrite.