Executive committed to taking action to protect Lough Neagh

THE protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.

Speaking after meeting with the Lough Neagh Partnership, the First Minister and deputy First Minister gave an assurance that the Executive is committed to taking the necessary action to protect and better manage one of the North’s most important natural resources.

The First Minister said, “We are so lucky to have Lough Neagh on our doorstep. It has enormous beauty and so much potential. It provides so much of our drinking water and is vital for the fishing, leisure and tourism industries.

“But, we have heard about the issues facing the Lough. We must do everything we can to protect it. I am glad that coordinated efforts are under way to tackle problems, such as the blue green algae, which is understandably a cause of serious concern.

“Lough Neagh is at the heart of all the communities who live close to its shores. Along with my Executive colleagues, I am committed to working to keep the Lough safe and sustainable for future generations.”

Deputy First Minister, Ms Little-Pengelly, said, “The problems at Lough Neagh are complex and there will be no quick fixes, but myself and my Executive colleagues are absolutely committed to taking the necessary action to ensure that we improve the health of the Lough and get the balance right between growing our local economy while safeguarding our precious natural environment.”

The First Minister and deputy First Minister were joined at the meeting by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir.

Mr Muir said, “The scenes witnessed in 2023 are likely to reappear this year, indeed a number of reports of blue green algae blooms have already been received thus far.

“I have been clear that collective action and investment across government, private and public sector and in the community is needed.

“The starting point for Lough Neagh is the Environment Strategy and Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) which will significantly improve our natural environment and set the direction of travel for the coming decades, to improve water quality, including at Lough Neagh.”