Group tackling water pollution proposals to meet soon

Blue-green algae has been a concern across Northern Ireland as blooms have appeared in places including the River Bann

The first meeting of a group examining proposals for addressing water pollution from agriculture is due to happen "in the very near future".

It follows the appointment of an independent facilitator to lead the Stakeholder Task and Finish Group which includes representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), the farming sector, agri-food and environmental groups.

Karen Brosnan has a 25-year history of leading similar processes and serves on several boards.

The group she leads will review the responses to the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) consultation which closed in July.

Blue-green algae on Lough Neagh has become a regular occurrence in recent years

It will develop revised proposals for further consultation along with a draft Economic Impact Assessment in a "timebound process".

Both will then go out for an eight-week consultation and the Executive will then be asked to approve the final document for introduction in 2026.

Deara Minister Andrew Muir said it was "important that the Group now progresses its work with pace"

Deara Minister Andrew Muir said her appointment would "help facilitate a way forward" on the NAP which has proved controversial.

He added that he trusted that Ms. Brosnan's "independence, expertise and previous experience will enable her to work with all interested parties to ensure a successful outcome".

"It is important that the Group now progresses its work with pace, to agree proposals that are evidence based, workable at farm level within realistic timeframes and which meet legislative requirements."

• What is the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP)

Terms of reference for the group will be confirmed during its first meeting.

William Irvine from the Ulster Farmers' Union has raised concerns that it has just three seats on the group

Farmers and other groups agreed to engage after the group and second consultation process was announced.

But the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has raised concerns that it has just three seats on the group.

Its president, William Irvine, said it had previously been given "four or five seats" on similar-sized groups, which he said was "a more accurate and fair representation" given the sectors the union represents.

He added that the UFU's environment committee would "carefully consider" the terms of reference before participating in future meetings, but that "the next stage in the NAP process should be allowing space and time for the group to operate properly".