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12/09/2023
UUP Calls For Action On 'Worsening' Lough Neagh Pollution Situation
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has raised concerns over the "worsening Lough Neagh pollution situation", calling for renewed efforts to develop a unified strategy to address these issues.
UUP Environment spokespeople, Tom Elliott MLA said: "As far back as 2012, our party were calling for a commitment across the Executive to deliver a unified strategy to resolve issues in Lough Neagh that were then starting to cause environmental concerns.
"If Ministers had listened to our colleagues and acted at that time, it is very likely that solutions could have been found to ensure many of the pressures currently placed on Lough Neagh and surrounding environment, did not develop.
"It is imperative that all those with any involvement in the operation and management of Lough Neagh, whether political, agricultural, environmental, business or community, should be talking to each other to identify and act on solutions before it is too late.
"I am writing to the Office for Environmental Protection, asking them to investigate the role of local Departments in this matter."
Infrastructure spokespeople, John Stewart, added: "It is no secret that our water and waste infrastructure have not been fit for purpose for some time. These long-term failures, along with a continued lack of strategic direction from key departments at Stormont, have caused a situation where we are no longer in control of our largest single source of drinking water.
"I have asked NI Water to provide an urgent indication of how close we are to the tipping point where water in the Lough will no longer be usable in our drinking water system.
"The lack of an Executive at Stormont means that we cannot bring forward solutions on this issue, ultimately increasing the damage already identified. If an Executive were sitting in Stormont today, we could be engaging, in a cross-departmental manner, to provide solutions that could save wildlife and protect our wider environment."
UUP Environment spokespeople, Tom Elliott MLA said: "As far back as 2012, our party were calling for a commitment across the Executive to deliver a unified strategy to resolve issues in Lough Neagh that were then starting to cause environmental concerns.
"If Ministers had listened to our colleagues and acted at that time, it is very likely that solutions could have been found to ensure many of the pressures currently placed on Lough Neagh and surrounding environment, did not develop.
"It is imperative that all those with any involvement in the operation and management of Lough Neagh, whether political, agricultural, environmental, business or community, should be talking to each other to identify and act on solutions before it is too late.
"I am writing to the Office for Environmental Protection, asking them to investigate the role of local Departments in this matter."
Infrastructure spokespeople, John Stewart, added: "It is no secret that our water and waste infrastructure have not been fit for purpose for some time. These long-term failures, along with a continued lack of strategic direction from key departments at Stormont, have caused a situation where we are no longer in control of our largest single source of drinking water.
"I have asked NI Water to provide an urgent indication of how close we are to the tipping point where water in the Lough will no longer be usable in our drinking water system.
"The lack of an Executive at Stormont means that we cannot bring forward solutions on this issue, ultimately increasing the damage already identified. If an Executive were sitting in Stormont today, we could be engaging, in a cross-departmental manner, to provide solutions that could save wildlife and protect our wider environment."
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Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has highlighted the future potential of Lough Neagh in Country Antrim, the largest fresh water lake in the UK and Ireland. Following meetings held in June with the Lough Neagh Partnership, the Minister visited the lough to consider how his Department can help with future development.
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Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
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The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
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Alliance DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has expressed his gratitude towards the NI Executive for supporting the 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan. Minister Muir said that the approval is the first step on a journey towards the long-term rehabilitation of water quality in the lough.
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Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
