Minister visits Lough after launch of Action Plan

ENVIRONMENT Minister Andrew Muir has met with key stakeholders to discuss the Lough Neagh Action Plan.

The 37-point plan hopes to pave the way forward for improved water quality and a reduction of blue green algae, which has plagued the waters in recent years.

Speaking during a visit to Lough Neagh, Mr Muir said he was ‘delighted’ to be there.

“We don’t have any more time to waste,” Mr Muir said.

“We need to take immediate action and I am committed to work at pace to deliver upon these actions, but I cannot do it alone.

“We need to take collective action and working in partnership across government, with stakeholders, the agriculture sector and the public is fundamental to implement the 37 actions.

“I firmly believe that the actions proposed in this report will help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards which support biodiversity and nature recovery in a living and productive landscape.

“The issues we are faced with are complex, but I will not shy away from the challenges ahead.”

The Minister said that many of the actions in the report were already underway and that those remaining would be taken forward as soon as possible.

Mr Muir also said that ‘significant investment’ in both the short and longer term was required, and that he would continue to work closely with Executive colleagues in order to bid for further funding.