Concern after blue-green algae appears on two Tyrone lakes

THE Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is facing calls to take urgent action after blue-green algae was discovered in two lakes in Ballygawley and the Brantry.

At Martray Lake, situated on the old A4 road between Ballygawley and Killeeshil, the water has been visibly discoloured by the algal bloom, which can produce toxins harmful to humans, animals, and aquatic life.

Independent Mid-Ulster councillor Kevin McElvogue raised the alarm after observing the outbreak last week. He has also raised concerns about the Brantry Lough, which is popular with dozens ofwalkers each day.

The discovery at both lakes follows similar concerns recently expressed about Loughmacrory by the local community association there.

“This is a very worrying development,” Cllr McElvogue said.

“We were told more than a year ago that this blue-green algae is a serious problem on Lough Neagh. Now, we’re seeing it appear on other local lakes, and it seems to be quite bad on Martray. I have contacted the NIEA to report it.”

He added, “What we need from them is a pledge to seriously address this problem as urgently as possible. It’s something that we definitely don’t want to see becoming commonplace on our waterways.”

Experts believe its spread is being driven by climate change and agricultural run-off, particularly from fertilisers entering waterways.

Last year, Lough Neagh experienced one of the worst algal blooms in living memory.

Vast stretches of the lough, which supplies 40 per-cent of the North’s drinking water, were covered in thick green scum.

Public warnings were issued, wildlife was affected, and recreational activities were disrupted for months. Environmental campaigners described it as an ‘ecological disaster’.

In response, the Stormont Executive committed £450,000 to tackling the issue.

A Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) was launched, with five companies selected to develop innovative solutions for reducing blooms in Lough Neagh.