Blue-green algae motion to NMD Council by Alliance Cllr Andy McMurray gets support
Slieve Croob Alliance Councillor Andy McMurray has brought a successful motion to Council calling on DAERA to act on blue -green algae.
The motion, brought by Alliance Slieve Croob Councillor Andy McMurray, at last Monday night’s full council meeting, calls for DAERA to establish a cross-party meeting between affected Council areas to tackle rising cases of blue-green algae.
The motion to Newry Mourne and Down District Council read: “This Council is concerned by the recent blooms of blue-green algae in our waters;
“notes the detrimental impact these blooms have had on local businesses;
“asks the Department of Agricultural, Environment and Rural Affairs to swiftly convene a cross party meeting between affected Council areas to discuss the issue & to develop an action plan to address it;
“and calls for the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency in line with New Decade, New Approach commitments.”
Cllr McMurray said: “I am grateful for the support of Council on this issue. The rising incidents of blue-green algal blooms across the district have been very concerning.
“Although the blooms have been increasing recently, these instances have been happening for several years now.
“I have spent my whole career using the lake at Castlewellan both as an instructor of various water-based activities as well as an individual taking part in my own recreation.
“I am keenly aware of the potentially devastating impacts of these outbreaks in terms of both health implications, with devastating losses to beloved pets reported at Lough Neagh with its incidence of blue-green algae.
“And also impacts to local businesses. At best, they have to relocate to alternative sites which very often are a distance away and without the same standard of facilities.
“And at worst they have to turn people away from the their business with an associated loss of earnings and ket revenue.”
Cllr McMurray added: “I would like to thank the Council and other agencies who are undertaking vital work in testing the waters at our local sites.
“This is a vital measure in monitoring the presence of blue-green algae, and increasing public awareness around water safety.
“However, we need further action from an Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that preventative measures are enacted to enhance the water quality in our district.
“This goes beyond just blue-green algae – there have been numerous instances of bathing being banned in our waters this summer due to polluted waters.
“We should be doing all we can to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our waters not only for our citizens and visitors, but also for the natural world they live in.
“An Environmental Protection Agency is a vital next step to ensure this protection.”
Cllr McMurray added: “In the meantime, I would like to encourage all members of the public to continue to remain vigilant in spotting and reporting blue-green algae, which can be done via the Bloomin’ Aglae App.
“All photos submitted to the app are submitted and checked, and will help Council monitor and advise on the spread of blue-green algae.
