Pollution in Lough Neagh demands ‘immediate solutions’

WAITING a decade for a solution to the environmental devastation that pollution has had on Lough Neagh is ‘untenable’, says the ‘Love Our Lough’ campaign group.

Last summer, Lough Neagh experienced a toxic blue-green algae outbreak, drawing national attention to the environmental challenges facing the largest lake in Ireland.

Agriculture and Environment Minister, Andrew Muir has vowed to tackle the issue, but the ‘Love Our Lough’ group has expressed concern at his timeline for action.

“This needs to be treated as an immediate emergency,” Louise Taylor, one of the founders of the group.

“We welcome that there is finally a person in charge of the environment brief at Stormont and they are promising to make the lough a top priority.

“However, the minister said that it could take ‘many years’ for a solution to be found. This is far too long – we need urgent emergency action to stop pollution now.”

The Stormont Assembly has passed a motion calling for the creation of a cross-departmental group to address environmental issues at Lough Neagh.

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan, who introduced the motion, stressed the lake’s ecological significance and its importance to local communities and tourism.

Calls for the lough’s return to public ownership have also intensified, with criticism directed at Lord Shaftesbury, its current owner.

However, Minister Muir said that Lord Shaftsbury has requested a meeting over the matter.

“I look forward to meeting with him in a frank and open manner in the weeks ahead,” he added.