Muir welcomes Executive approval for Lough Neagh Report

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has described the approval by the NI Executive of the 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan as the first step on a journey towards the long term rehabilitation of water quality in the lough.

Mr Muir previously announced that he had approved 20 of the actions relevant to his Department, whilst he awaited Executive approval of the remaining 17 which were either new or cross-cutting.

Speaking following Thursday’s Executive meeting Mr Muir said, “I welcome and am grateful to my Executive colleagues for supporting the plan I presented and recognising Lough Neagh as a priority.

“The publication of the full Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan will be a significant step towards improving water quality, reducing blue green algae and ensuring we can rehabilitate the Lough to a healthy status, enjoyed by generations to come.

“The Action Plan is not a wish list – it is a detailed, science-led, proportionate and ambitious set of actions that will make a tangible difference to our waterways.

“I must be clear however, that there are no quick fixes, it will take many years, if not decades to see substantial recovery, such is the depth and complexity of the problem.”

Mr Muir further stated that The Lough Neagh Report will also complement and support the actions and targets in the Environmental Improvement Plan and that he will continue to work with his Executive colleagues to obtain its approval.

The DAERA Minister continued, “Successful delivery of the actions in this plan will require significant investment to ensure the long-term improvement in water quality across Northern Ireland.

“While our ambition and determination remain high the pace of progress will depend to some extent on the funding available.

“Working in partnership within government and across stakeholders will be a fundamentally important element in achieving the outcomes that we all wish to attain for this and future generations.”