Blue-green algae: River Bann sites closed after discovery

People are unable to launch kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from the slipway at Portglenone Marina

Parts of the River Bann in County Antrim have been closed to the public after blue-green algae was discovered, Mid and East Antrim Council has said.

Portglenone Marina slipway and Newferry have both been closed until further notice.

Blue-green algae was detected at a number of sites across Northern Ireland during the summer.

The bacteria can cause illness in humans and is particularly dangerous for pets.

Mid and East Antrim Council said people would be unable to launch personal watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards from the slipway at Portglenone Marina.

A spokesperson for the council said members of the public should not swim or allow pets in the water.

"Avoid all contact with the algae as contact may result in skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain," they said.

The algal bloom has been blamed on settled weather, invasive species and water pollution mostly due to agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said dead fish were reported in Ballynure Water, a tributary of Sixmilewater in County Antrim, on Monday.

Daera said water samples have been taken for analysis and an investigation to determine the source of any pollution is ongoing.