New Minister promises to tackle Tyrone’s top environmental concern

THE newly-appointed DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has said he ‘will not shy away’ from the action that needs to be taken to tackle the blue green algae crisis at Lough Neagh, but warned it will take decades of investment and sustained work.

During a meeting last week with the Lough Neagh Partnership, the Alliance Party Minister took a boat tour of the vast water body to see first-hand the extent of the issue and to engage with key stakeholders.

“I am fully-committed to urgently addressing the very serious issue of blue green algae, not least to ensure protection of our beautiful environment, but to safeguard public and animal health as well as the local economy that heavily relies on the lough,” said Minister Muir.

Last summer, the UK and Ireland’s largest freshwater unit became the pin-up poster of ecological deterioration in the North, with drone shots revealing much of the lough’s surface to be covered by a toxic film of blue-green algae.

This year already, two outbreaks of blue-green algae have been recorded in the North, including one at Moorlough, just outside Strabane.

“It is clear that, over the past couple of decades, we have not got the balance right between growing our economy whilst safeguarding our natural environment. Lough Neagh is a manifestation of that, and the undeniable impact of climate change means that there are no quick fixes. It is a complex, multi-factorial issue which will take decades to solve.

“My officials have been working with colleagues from across departments and are drafting evidence-based recommendations to tackle blue-green algae and secure long-term water quality improvements. We hope to publish this plan in the coming weeks and engage in another round of extensive engagement with key stakeholders, such as Lough Neagh Partnership to discuss a way forward.

“Whatever approach we take, it needs to be informed by science and evidence, including lessons from those other parts of the world which are also dealing with this same problem, and working with partners to deliver better outcomes,” Minister Muir added.

Arnold Hatch, chairperson of The Lough Neagh Partnership, said, “It’s very reassuring that Minister Muir has taken the time to come to Lough Neagh during his first week in office, as it has given us confidence that he and his department are committed to addressing the issues and challenges that Lough Neagh is faced with on a daily basis.”