Menu
19/07/2024
Alliance Praises Executive's Approval Of Lough Neagh Plan
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. He had previously announced that he had approved 20 of the actions relevant to his department, whilst he awaited Executive approval of the remaining 17 which were either new or cross-cutting.
In a statement following the Executive meeting, Minister Muir said: "I am grateful to my Executive colleagues for supporting the plan I presented and recognising Lough Neagh as a priority. The Action Plan is not a wish list - it is a detailed, science-led, proportionate and ambitious set of actions that will make a tangible difference to our waterways. However, due to the depth and complexity of the problem there are no quick fixes, and it will take time to see substantial recovery.
"The publication of the full Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan will be a significant step towards improving water quality, reducing blue-green algae and ensuring we can rehabilitate the Lough to a healthy status. They also complement and support the actions and targets in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to obtain approval for it as well.
"Delivery of the actions in this plan will require significant investment to ensure the long-term improvement in water quality across Northern Ireland. While our ambition and determination remain high, the pace of progress will depend to some extent on the funding available. Working in partnership within government and with residents and businesses will be a fundamentally important element in achieving the outcomes that we all wish to attain for this and future generations."
Minister Muir said that the approval is the first step on a journey towards the long-term rehabilitation of water quality in the lough. He had previously announced that he had approved 20 of the actions relevant to his department, whilst he awaited Executive approval of the remaining 17 which were either new or cross-cutting.
In a statement following the Executive meeting, Minister Muir said: "I am grateful to my Executive colleagues for supporting the plan I presented and recognising Lough Neagh as a priority. The Action Plan is not a wish list - it is a detailed, science-led, proportionate and ambitious set of actions that will make a tangible difference to our waterways. However, due to the depth and complexity of the problem there are no quick fixes, and it will take time to see substantial recovery.
"The publication of the full Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan will be a significant step towards improving water quality, reducing blue-green algae and ensuring we can rehabilitate the Lough to a healthy status. They also complement and support the actions and targets in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to obtain approval for it as well.
"Delivery of the actions in this plan will require significant investment to ensure the long-term improvement in water quality across Northern Ireland. While our ambition and determination remain high, the pace of progress will depend to some extent on the funding available. Working in partnership within government and with residents and businesses will be a fundamentally important element in achieving the outcomes that we all wish to attain for this and future generations."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 July 2024
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
17 June 2022
Design Plan Initiative Announced For Future Of NI Hospital Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the launch of an ambitious design plan initiative mapping out the future shape of hospital services across Northern Ireland. The plan spells out what a reorganised hospital and supporting primary care network can look like and where key services would be provided.
Design Plan Initiative Announced For Future Of NI Hospital Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the launch of an ambitious design plan initiative mapping out the future shape of hospital services across Northern Ireland. The plan spells out what a reorganised hospital and supporting primary care network can look like and where key services would be provided.
27 July 2004
Textiles firm secures contracts worth £5m
A Magheralin-based supplier and manufacturer of design-led bed-linen has finalised new business deals worth over £5 million, it was revealed today. Bedeck secured the deals during a joint Irish Linen Guild/Invest NI presentation at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, the world’s biggest exhibition for the fabric industry.
Textiles firm secures contracts worth £5m
A Magheralin-based supplier and manufacturer of design-led bed-linen has finalised new business deals worth over £5 million, it was revealed today. Bedeck secured the deals during a joint Irish Linen Guild/Invest NI presentation at Heimtextil in Frankfurt, the world’s biggest exhibition for the fabric industry.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
04 October 2024
Executive Agrees On Budget Sustainability Plan
The Finance Minister has today published the Budget Sustainability Plan, following approval by the Executive. The plan outlines the necessity of achieving a balanced budget in 2024-25 and subsequent years. It explores options for increasing efficiencies, generating additional income, and examining fiscal devolution.
Executive Agrees On Budget Sustainability Plan
The Finance Minister has today published the Budget Sustainability Plan, following approval by the Executive. The plan outlines the necessity of achieving a balanced budget in 2024-25 and subsequent years. It explores options for increasing efficiencies, generating additional income, and examining fiscal devolution.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
