The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is set to host a series of meetings focused on the efforts to address issues at Lough Neagh.
The three community drop-in sessions will outline the work being undertaken by DAERA and partner organisations to address blue green algae and wider water quality issues at the largest lake on the island of Ireland.
The events will also provide an opportunity for the community living around the lough to learn more about the algae and the actions needed to improve water quality.
The sessions are running from midday to 7:00p.m on the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 9 – The Marina Centre, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan BT45 6JG;
- Wednesday, October 16 – St Clare’s Community Hall, 55 Chapel Road, Glenavy, Dundrod BT29 4LY;
- Wednesday, October 23 – Craigavon Civic Centre, 66 Lakeview Rd, Craigavon BT64 1AL.
Among the groups represented at the event will include the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), DAERA Marine and Fisheries Group, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Public Health Agency, NI Water, the Food Standards Agency, and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
There will also be local non-governmental environmental organisations in attendance, such as the Rivers Trust and Lough Neagh Partnership.
Lough Neagh
Commenting ahead of the public meetings, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said that “blue green algae is a complex issue that has been decades in the making and it will take decades to fix”.
However, the minister noted “that can only be done by everyone coming together to learn more about it, understand what we are doing to tackle it and contribute to finding solutions”.
“I am fully committed to protecting this natural resource and our water quality for generations to come, but we must all work together – government, industry and community – to achieve that.
“One example of that is this week’s announcement of almost half a million pounds of government funding to five suppliers to develop physical, chemical or biological solutions to treat the blooms by tapping into new innovative ideas and technologies,” he said.
“These drop-in sessions are another example of the importance of working together towards a solution.
“I would urge anyone with an interest in the lough and who is seeking to increase their understanding of the role they can play in protecting it to pop into their local session and chat to the many organisations taking part.
“The organisations will share the latest information about its work and be available to discuss any questions and concerns the public may have,” Minister Muir added.
