‘Profound disappointment’ amongst community as algae resurfaces

LOUGH Neagh Partnership has expressed its profound disappointment over the Northern Ireland Executive’s failure to approve a critical action plan to prioritise addressing the ongoing environmental catastrophe as the visible impact of toxic blue green algae has resurfaced on the lough.

Whilst Lough Neagh Partnership expressed support for the announcement made by Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, that the 20 point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan would be delivered, subject to Northern Ireland Executive approval, there is frustration that elected representatives have left for summer recess while the algae rages yet the plan languishes unapproved.

Speaking about the visibility of the algae on Lough Neagh, Manager of the Lough Neagh Partnerships Gerry Darby said that is ‘has come as no surprise’ that the algae is back with a vengeance, as it was only a matter of time with the right weather conditions that it would reappear.

“We consistently campaigned over the winter for action to be taken, as we feared that momentum would be lost once the algae disappeared below the surface and it would be a case of out of sight out of mind,” he said.

“We met with the main political parties and, despite assurances that immediate action would be taken upon Stormont’s return, in reality we have not seen any of the promised efforts to resolve the crisis.

“Whilst we have put on record that we have welcomed the plan presented by Minister Muir, we are utterly disheartened by the lack of consensus to approve and implement it.

“As a result, we face another summer watching this ecological disaster unfold, powerless to intervene.”

Dr Louise Taylor, founder of the ‘Love Our Lough’ collective said they are ‘saddened’ but ‘not surprised’ to see the return of algae blooms.

“We are concerned that they have returned with such strength much earlier than last year,” she said.

“We now hold little hope or optimism about our departments or services doing enough to stop the high level of pollution entering our waterways and Lough Neagh.

“Many in the community are discussing what needs to be done and growing numbers are becoming aware that this problem is not being taken serious enough by our department and elected representatives.”

Dr Taylor further commented that if the necessary departments were serious about protecting the lough, they would be designing and implementing a Zero Pollution Strategy and discussing the radical actions needed to protect and safeguard Lough Neagh.

“What they are doing instead is drawing up weak and lacklustre ‘recovery plans’ which are not sufficient and in environmental terms are considered ‘green washing’ and curtailing and delaying the effective actions required to protect Lough Neagh in the long term.”