Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, forms part of a wider aquatic ecosystem, from its surrounding catchment area to the rivers which flow into it and flow out to the north coast.
In recent years, Lough Neagh has faced increasing pressures and, in 2023, an unprecedented Blue-Green Algal bloom appeared, generating substantial public interest.
In the short video clips that follow, Andrew Muir MLA Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, outlines the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan.
In July 2024, the Northern Ireland Executive approved the Plan.
The Action Plan sets out a coordinated approach to address the environmental challenges affecting Lough Neagh.
With 37 targeted actions, the plan aims to restore the water quality of Lough Neagh and address factors contributing to its long-term ecological decline.
The Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan is built around four key pillars: education, incentivisation, regulation, and enforcement. Each plays a vital role in restoring the health of the entire Lough Neagh catchment area, not just the lough itself.
A number of actions have already been completed, including various small business research initiatives and livestock slurry management. Other actions, such as investment in wastewater infrastructure and septic tank management, remain ongoing.
The recovery of Lough Neagh will take many years, if not decades, due to the deep and complex nature of the ecological damage.
Minister Muir is encouraging support from political leaders, communities, industry, and every individual who wants to see Lough Neagh thrive again.
Restoring the Water Quality of Lough Neagh
37 actions, one mission – restoring the health of Lough Neagh!
In this short video, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA says the Lough Neagh Action Plan to tackle the issues affecting Lough Neagh and beyond is being delivered.
Key Pillars of the Action Plan
In this short video, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA outlines the four pillars from the Lough Neagh Action Plan which his department is acting on.
Environmental Improvement Plan
In this short video, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA says that collectively we need to improve our water quality across Northern Ireland and the Environmental Improvement Plan is the key measure for doing this.
Progressing the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan
In this short video, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA says that he is working with stakeholders, agriculture and on wastewater infrastructure, to deliver the changes required to improve the water quality of Lough Neagh.
Small Business Research Initiative
In this short video, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA says that a number of Small Business Research initiatives are being progressed to improve the water quality of Lough Neagh.