Stormont ministers have met with the five bodies tasked with finding solutions to treat and reduce the incidence of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh, as part of the Lough Neagh Action Plan, today (Thursday, November 7) in parliament buildings
First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly and Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Andrew Muir, met those awarded contracts under phase one of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI).
The five contractors include:
- Queen’s University Belfast;
- Wholeschool Software Ltd & Build: An educational software platform;
- Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd: A manufacturer of photobioreactors and algal nutrients;
- Clear Water Systems Ltd: a water treating company;
- Helix 8 – A consultancy agency.
Lough Neagh
Last year, blooms of blue-green algae propagated large areas of the lake during the summer, impeding on the biodiversity of the area among other water courses. The algae has reappeared this year.
Responding after her meeting with the five parties, the first minister said: “Protecting Lough Neagh is a priority for the executive and it is important that we work together to find solutions.
“The lough is vital for our environment, fishing, water supply, tourism and the local community. It is a huge asset and has so much untapped potential.
“I look forward to seeing progress towards protecting this area of outstanding natural beauty and preserving it for future generations.”
Emma Little-Pengelly reaffirmed her commitment to the protection of Lough Neagh:
“The health of Lough Neagh is of vital importance now and into the future, and the awarding of these contracts reflects our continued commitment to taking the necessary action to improve it,” she said.
Minister Andrew Muir also joined his colleagues in welcoming the contractors and their prospective collaboration as part of the initial phase of SBRI, which he launched in August 2024.
The SBRI is supported by funding from DAERA, valued at £200,000, and by additional funding from the Department for the Economy, valued at £250,000.
It is anticipated that phase one of the plan will run through to March 2025, with phase two applications due to commence in summer 2025.
“This SBRI is part of my 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, approved by the Executive in the summer, and I am determined to deliver on the commitments contained within it, with many actions already underway.
“This first phase of the initiative has been developed to explore solutions to treat and reduce Blue-Green Algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh, and can hopefully be applied to any area that has been affected by the bacteria.
“However, we must remember, this alone will not solve the Blue Green Algae crisis. There is a significant amount of work to do to restore the lough and enhance water quality throughout Northern Ireland which will take both time and resources,” Muir said.
