Muir meets key stakeholders following launch of 37-point action plan to save Lough Neagh
Following the launch of The Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has met with key stakeholders on the shores of the lough.
The Upper Bann runs through the hills of County Down on its journey past Loughbrickland and Banbridge down to the lough, and represents one key element in the overall problems facing Lough Neagh suffering from the impacts of long-term pollution.
The 37-point report and action plan, which paves the way forward for improved water quality and reduced blue green algae, was approved by the Executive and published by the Minister last week.
Farming, factories, waste management, domestic users, a decaying infrastructure of sewage pipes, and even global change are some of the factors that could cause the growth of algal blooms in Lough Neagh, the largest Lough in Ireland.
Speaking during his visit to Lough Neagh, Minister Muir said: “I’m delighted to be here today to meet with stakeholders following the approval and publication of my 37-point report and action plan to improve water quality of the lough, our waterways and to tackle the issue of blue green algae.
“We don’t have any more time to waste, we need to take immediate action and I am committed to work at pace to deliver upon these actions but I cannot do it alone.
“We need to take collective action and working in partnership across government, with stakeholders, the agriculture sector and the public is fundamental to implement the 37 actions.
“I firmly believe that the actions proposed in this report will help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards which support biodiversity and nature recovery in a living and productive landscape.
“The issues we are faced with are complex, but I will not shy away from the challenges ahead.
“Many of the actions in the report are already underway and the remaining will be taken forward as soon as possible, however significant investment in both the short and longer term is required.
“And I will continue to work closely with executive colleagues and bid for further funding.”
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