Blue-green algae is back in Lough Neagh

The NI Environment Agency has confirmed the presence of the toxic blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.
Traces of cyanobacteria were found in two locations of County Antrim. One was detected at Rea’s Wood and the other one at Cranfield Point according to the Bloomin’ Algae app.
This comes around the same time as a meeting between the Stormont Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir and The Earl of Shaftesbury, the legal owner of the Lough. During this meeting, Earl of Shaftesbury was said to be committed to finding a “comprehensive, long-term solution” for the lough.
The blue-green algae presents a risk for users of the water such as cold water swimmers, wildlife and people using the Lough amongst others.
The Lough is also the largest Irish freshwater source that is also used as a drinking water source for 40% of Northern Ireland's population.
Following a visit to the Lough at the beginning of the month, Minister Muir pledged urgent actions to be taken for the well-being of the Lough.
“It is clear that the situation in Lough Neagh cannot be addressed in isolation from the need to take action to improve the quality of our environment more generally,” said the Minister.
According to the Minister, a plan against Blue Green Algae will be published by DEARA in the coming weeks.
"My Department has been developing a new Environment Strategy for Executive approval which, when adopted, will become Northern Ireland's first Environmental Improvement Plan.
“It will contain actions capable of securing longer-term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland. It will be supported by a more specific plan for Lough Neagh,” he said.
“I intend to discuss the new strategy and accompanying action plan with my Executive colleagues in the coming weeks, and will also be bringing forward for discussion the specific, science-informed plan for Lough Neagh.
“I’ve been clear that there are no quick fixes and despite the actions we will take in the immediate future, we can expect to see similar issues arising this year in the Lough.
“It will take decades to see real and sustainable improvements. I have also been clear that I cannot fix this alone. We need collective action and investment across government, private and public sectors and in the community. I intend to continue my
engagement with partners and stakeholders to ensure we work together to improve water quality across Northern Ireland, including in Lough Neagh.”
In the meantime, any sightings of Blue-Green Algae or suspected algae should be reported for inspection on the Bloomin' Algae app.