Action being taken to address the issues of Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh is one of our most important natural resources, with significant economic value for those who rely on it for drinking water, fishing and eel industries. It is also increasingly important for recreation and tourism.
Central and local government, together with users, local residents and stakeholder organisations all need to work collectively to deliver sustainable solutions to address the issues facing Lough Neagh, and return Lough Neagh to its rightful state as an ecological jewel at the heart of Northern Ireland.
What are the contributing factors to blue green algae and water quality in Lough Neagh?
- Pollution: excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agriculture, wastewater treatment works, domestic systems and industry entering our waterways.
- Climate change: record high water temperature.
- Zebra mussels: an invasive species disrupting ecosystems by impacting water clarity.
The factors above cannot be seen in isolation from the natural environment and tackling climate change and improving our natural environment are the ultimate key for the future.
To find out more about blue green algae you can visit the Blue-Green Algae Hub:
Blue-Green Algae | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
What are we doing to improve water quality in Lough Neagh?
Protecting Lough Neagh and our environment is a key focus of the NI Executive in the Programme for Government 2024-2027.
The Executive approved Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is Northern Ireland’s first Environment Strategy and covers six Strategic Environmental Outcomes (SEOs), encompassing the full breadth of environmental and climate policy. A cohesive and integrated approach to environmental protection is key for any meaningful, sustained improvement in water quality.
The Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, approved by the Executive in July 2024, addresses the specific water quality crisis in Lough Neagh and other water bodies throughout Northern Ireland and supports the objectives to improve water quality across Northern Ireland contained in the Environmental Improvement Plan.
How will the Lough Neagh Action Plan be implemented?
The Lough Neagh Action Plan comprises 37 actions, with the majority attributed to DAERA. The Department for Infrastructure and the Department of Justice are involved in a small number of actions. Implementation is progressing well, and to date 10 actions have been delivered, 23 are progressing and 4 are yet to be progressed.
The plan implementation will be overseen by the Lough Neagh Programme Board who will closely monitor Action Plan progress and identify corrective action if required.
The Lough Neagh Stakeholder Forum has also been established. The Forum, chaired by Minister Muir, ensures that stakeholder views are understood and properly considered as the implementation of the Lough Neagh Action Plan is progressed.
Two quarterly stakeholder forums have taken place, with the next organised for 11 June.
Answers to Questions (Oral or Written) raised at NI Assembly on Lough Neagh can be searched for on the NI Assembly website (https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/questions/) and provide further information to help you learn more.
What can I do?
Familiarise yourself with information on bathing water quality
If you are at a river, lake or the sea and suspect there is blue green algae report it using the Bloomin Algae App
Report any concerns of pollution of waterbodies
NIEA Incident Hotline: emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk
Water Pollution Hotline: 0800 80 70 60