Menu
11/07/2023
Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches
The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
Samples taken by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) throughout the weekend from the bathing waters in Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone, show that the Blue-Green Algae has now dispersed and the waters are safe to bathe in. The local bathing water operators have confirmed that all red flag warnings have now been removed.
DAERA will now revert to its regular weekly monitoring of the bathing waters.
If you suspect there is blue-green algae:
• Report it on the Bloomin Algae App: The Bloomin’ Algae App helps make reporting blue-green algae easier and quicker, allowing environmental experts to respond faster and issue public warnings more efficiently. It enables users to submit a photo of an algae bloom on their mobile device, along with the location and activities taking place in the associated waters. Bloomin’ Algae App is free to download directly from Google Play or App Store. Find out more at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
• If you don’t have Bloomin Algae App – email photos to NIEA: Report the bloom to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. You can report any suspected blooms, including photos and details of location, to our e-mail or make contact through our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
Samples taken by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) throughout the weekend from the bathing waters in Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone, show that the Blue-Green Algae has now dispersed and the waters are safe to bathe in. The local bathing water operators have confirmed that all red flag warnings have now been removed.
DAERA will now revert to its regular weekly monitoring of the bathing waters.
If you suspect there is blue-green algae:
• Report it on the Bloomin Algae App: The Bloomin’ Algae App helps make reporting blue-green algae easier and quicker, allowing environmental experts to respond faster and issue public warnings more efficiently. It enables users to submit a photo of an algae bloom on their mobile device, along with the location and activities taking place in the associated waters. Bloomin’ Algae App is free to download directly from Google Play or App Store. Find out more at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
• If you don’t have Bloomin Algae App – email photos to NIEA: Report the bloom to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. You can report any suspected blooms, including photos and details of location, to our e-mail or make contact through our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 May 2023
Public Urged To Report Outbreaks Of Blue-Green Algae
The public has been urged to get involved in citizen science and help monitor blooms of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) to help protect public health. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has made the call as more people begin to enjoy water-based activities across NI amid the ongoing good weather.
Public Urged To Report Outbreaks Of Blue-Green Algae
The public has been urged to get involved in citizen science and help monitor blooms of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) to help protect public health. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has made the call as more people begin to enjoy water-based activities across NI amid the ongoing good weather.
10 July 2023
People Urged To Remain Vigilant To Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks
Following the confirmation of highly toxic blue-gree algae at Castlerock Beach, people have been urged to remain vigilant and take extra care over the July holidays, particularly the Portstewart/Castlerock area.
People Urged To Remain Vigilant To Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks
Following the confirmation of highly toxic blue-gree algae at Castlerock Beach, people have been urged to remain vigilant and take extra care over the July holidays, particularly the Portstewart/Castlerock area.
23 October 2024
New Research Vessel To Combat Lough Neagh Blue-Green Algae
A research vessel has been transferred to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to aid in their efforts to address the blue-green algae problem in Lough Neagh. The vessel, named 'Salar', was officially handed over by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a visit to Ballyronan Marina.
New Research Vessel To Combat Lough Neagh Blue-Green Algae
A research vessel has been transferred to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to aid in their efforts to address the blue-green algae problem in Lough Neagh. The vessel, named 'Salar', was officially handed over by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a visit to Ballyronan Marina.
05 August 2024
DAERA Minister Launches New Blue-Green Algae Initiative
A new initiative designed to explore potential solutions to address the ongoing blue-green algae issues at Lough Neagh. Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), has been launched by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.
DAERA Minister Launches New Blue-Green Algae Initiative
A new initiative designed to explore potential solutions to address the ongoing blue-green algae issues at Lough Neagh. Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), has been launched by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.
24 July 2024
DAERA Minister Meets Key Stakeholders At Lough Neagh
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has met with key stakeholders on the shores of Lough Neagh following the publication of a new 37-point Report and Action Plan.
DAERA Minister Meets Key Stakeholders At Lough Neagh
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has met with key stakeholders on the shores of Lough Neagh following the publication of a new 37-point Report and Action Plan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
