FFA Seeks To Meet With Muir Over Lough Neagh

FFA Have Requested An Urgent Meeting on Lough Neagh with Minister Muir on the issue of pollution in Lough Neagh

In a hard-hitting attack, Farmers For Action (FFA) have challenged Minister Muir on the management of Lough Neagh and are calling on a meeting with NI Water, Farmers For Action, QUB and Phoslock.

William Taylor, FFA chair in Northern Ireland said: said: “Enough time has passed without action, when action is available and could have been started by this time to curb the green algae problem.

“Last year FFA pulled the case together for Australian corporation Phoslock to be involved in the Lough Neagh clean-up at the time Minister Muir launched the £27million tendered for solutions to come forward.

“So far there has been no action on the Lough. As expected the Phoslock route was ignored which was unforgiveable, in that, they hold a patent on how to deal with such situations. 

“This Australian corporation has successfully treated many lakes around the world, albeit, none just as big as Lough Neagh to date.

“They have already indicated to the FFA their plan and willingness to work with others, yet over 12 months has now been lost. The Minister keeps telling Stormont there is no quick fix and there never will be if you don’t make a start.”

William FFA’s message to all Stormont MLA’s concerned about Lough Neagh and the damage from it impacting on the North Coast, is quite simple.

“Push Minister Muir to the table to at least listen to Phoslock’s story and report back to Stormont to request the support needed to get on with the job and no more stalling and excuses!”

It remains now to be seen if MLAs in the Assembly will raise this possible solution with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, but it may be a possible solution to the blue-green algal problem in Lough Neagh now impacting the wider environment.