Lough Neagh action plan outlined by minister

Lough Neagh is the largest body of fresh water in the British Isles

A range of actions to tackle the problems of Lough Neagh have been set out by Stormont's agriculture and environment minister.

The Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan has been with the Northern Ireland Executive since mid-June, but ministers have not yet agreed to it.

Some elements of the plan are cross-cutting and require executive approval to be implemented.

Speaking in the assembly on Tuesday, Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir said the "time for action is now" as he gave the go-ahead for 20 actions which fall within his department.

They include a research initiative as well as a tree-planting project and programmes aimed at supporting farmers and slurry spreaders.

The minister said he was keen to work with farmers and the agricultural community in the times ahead to answer questions and resolve any issues.

What are the Lough Neagh proposals?

Mr Muir said that four main action groups - education, incentivisation, regulation and enforcement - were key to tackling the issues at the lough.

An enforcement team will also be set up in the Lough Neagh catchment area to deal with offenders.

"Lets be clear, if we have to resort to enforcement that is a sign of failure," he said.

"I would be much happier having a situation where this pollution is not occurring in the first place so this is focused."

He also said that "significant investment" would be needed to address the issues, and said £6m would be allocated in both resources and capital investment.

While there is no "quick fix" for Lough Neagh, the minister added, a focus on early intervention will ensure that the problems do not become worse.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir set out a number of action points to tackle the algae blooms

The minister said he is doing all he can, but he "urgently" needs executive approval for the other parts of the Lough Neagh Action Plan.

"We have run out of time," he told the assembly.

"Each day that passes where the plan is not agreed by the executive is another day lost to fix the problems beamed across TV screens across the world."

A "joined up approach" by the Stormont Executive is vital to improving the issues at the lake.

"I will continue to engage with my executive colleagues because that’s what I want to do," Mr Muir said.

"I’m putting my shoulder to the wheel and seeking to get an agreement on these issues because we have to.

"We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland to take action in relation to the issues facing Lough Neagh.

"I will engage again and again with my executive colleagues to get an agreement on that because we have to get a joined up plan to turn this situation around."

Lough ownership 'long-term matter'

Last month the Earl of Shaftesbury, whose estate owns the lough bed, said he "would like" to transfer ownership to a charity of community trust model.

Having sought a meeting with the earl after the comments were made, Mr Muir confirmed to the chamber that a meeting to engage on this issue would take place "later this month".

The issue of ownership has not been considered as part of the report and action plan.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Muir also said that it wouldn't help to provide the immediate solutions needed and that ownership was a "long-term matter".

While blue-green algae has been detected in a number of locations around the lough and in several places across Northern Ireland, this summer’s weather patterns have not yet resulted in the large-scale blooms that led to bathing bans in some places last year.

But scientists agree a reoccurrence of the 2023 crisis is possible, given the right conditions.

Lough Neagh is the largest body of fresh water in the British Isles.

Lough Neagh supplies half of Belfast's drinking water and 40% of Northern Ireland's overall.

Who owns Lough Neagh?

Wildlife and birds suffered after blue-green algal blooms appeared last summer

The ownership has been in the Earl of Shaftesbury's estate since the 1800s.

The rights to the lough were given a price tag of £6m 10 years ago, but civil servants at the time advised the government not to go ahead with the sale. It is not known why.

Nicolas Ashley-Cooper, who is the 12th member of his family to hold the title, told BBC News NI in October that a sale was something he was willing to discuss again.

However he has since said he would like to transfer his estate's ownership of Lough Neagh "into a charity or community trust model, with rights of nature included".

He said the proposal “may take time”.