The Friends of the Earth have issued a strong warning that a significant proliferation of blue green algae in Lough Neagh, which occurred last summer, is an absolute certainty. According to James Orr, the organisation’s director for Northern Ireland, this is due to a combination of factors such as increased pollution, wet and warm climate conditions and particularly the high concentration of nutrients in the water resulting from farm fertilisers runoff. The failure of politicians to take adequate measures against this issue has further exacerbated it.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently received a formal notification from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency about the presence of blue green algae in Lower Lough Erne’s bay. This is believed to be the first official report made this year. The council has put up signs warning about the possible existence of algae in Rossigh Bay. Given the possible health risks, people are advised not to come in contact with the water or coastline, and to also keep animals and pets away.
Lough Neagh, commonly identified as the largest freshwater lake in Britain and Ireland was extensively contaminated by blue green algae last summer. This led to a public campaign, demanding immediate action to preserve this crucially important ecological site which supports endemic species and forms a fundamental part of local communities. It provides jobs, leisure activities and it supplies approximately 40% of the drinking water in the North.
A discussion is planned for next Monday in the Assembly where Matthew O’Toole, the leader of the Opposition SDLP MLA, will propose a motion. This motion will declare an “ecological and biodiversity crisis” in Lough Neagh, recommending the creation of an independent environmental protection agency by the Assembly mandate’s conclusion.
Minister for the Environment, Andrew Muir, who had visited the lake in March with the First and Deputy First Ministers, had promised to implement interventions. These included the first environment strategy for Northern Ireland and an action plan purely for Lough Neagh.
During recent chat with activists on a campaign to preserve the lake, he mentioned they felt unable to enjoy the current good weather, anxious that it’s contributing significantly to the pollution of the lake.
The grave matter at hand extends beyond preserving a large nature reserve, it seeps into all aspects of culture and economy. Mr Orr expressed strong disapproval of the reactive measures taken by Stormont. In his view, there’s a great deal of empty talk and superficial fixes. In contrast, his expectation was for crucial action steps to be taken that would regenerate the lough, supplying it with ample room to breathe, free from pollution, extraction or dumping. This expectation has been noticeably diluted.
He further remarked that there’ve been no evident signs over the previous month that they plan to revolutionise how we approach food production, sewage management or water conservation. Communities are becoming more aware of the intrinsic value of water. Yet, political entities seemingly remain oblivious. There’s been no feedback from the Department of Environment in the North.