MLAs Urged to Prioritize Environmental Funding for Lough Neagh Issues

NI’s agriculture, environment, and rural affairs minister, Andrew Muir, has called on MLAs to “get real” about the environment and provide more funds to address issues at Lough Neagh. Last year, unprecedented potentially toxic algal blooms were recorded at the lough, prompting the need for funding for engagement, education, incentives, and enforcement around the causes of the issues, including agricultural run-off and wastewater treatment.

Blue-green algae has already been reported in several locations around Lough Neagh and elsewhere since the start of 2024, posing risks to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Experts have warned that a repeat of the blooms seen last year is likely if interventions are not funded.

Muir emphasized the importance of acknowledging and funding interventions to deal with the pollution sources, including wastewater infrastructure. He highlighted the need for difficult budget choices across all departments but stressed that prioritizing environmental protection requires adequate funding.

However, People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll expressed concerns about potential budget shortfalls leading to a pause in addressing the problems at Lough Neagh. He urged immediate action to clamp down on polluters and establish an independent environmental protection agency to hold them accountable.

The urgency of the situation at Lough Neagh underscores the need for MLAs to prioritize environmental protection and allocate the necessary resources to safeguard this crucial natural resource.