Question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Minister's Answer

Although there are no quick fixes for the problems at Lough Neagh, I am pleased to provide an update on the actions that my Department is taking to tackle them.

DAERA has led on the development of a report that contains evidence-based actions to tackle the blue-green algae blooms in the lough and secure longer-term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland. However, approval by the Executive of the draft environmental improvement plan (EIP) is key to taking a strategic approach to the issues facing Lough Neagh in the context of the wider catchment area. I will continue to engage with Executive colleagues to seek their approval on the draft EIP and the Lough Neagh report.

My Department has led on the soon-to-be-launched small business research initiative to explore potential solutions to treat and reduce blue-green algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh and associated Northern Ireland waterways. It has also led on the development of an inter-agency monitoring protocol to support the response to blue-green algae issues this year. The protocol has been published on DAERA’s website, and provides guidance on how water users should consider blue-green algae risks and details the Department’s monitoring response.

I am pleased to confirm that action on the ground has already commenced. For example, through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, my Department has already delivered nutrient management programmes for farmers and land managers targeted on Lough Neagh catchment areas.

The Lough Neagh report and action plan is key and needs Executive approval, but there are many actions that I am taking, as I have outlined to the Chamber. Key to that is the future farm support and development programme, which is a new way forward that is focused on improved and sustainable productivity. Environmental sustainability, built-in resilience, food security and effective and functioning supply chains are key parts of that. The farming with nature package is also a key component.

Among the many actions that we are taking, I am commissioning an independent scientific review of the impact on Lough Neagh of sand extraction. I am putting more resources towards, and more regulation on, the Lough Neagh catchment area, and I am scoping the expansion of the sustainable catchment programme.