Lough Neagh Algae Bloom Likely This Summer – Minister Warns

South Antrim MP Robin Swann and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee Chair Robbie Butler MLA have called for renewed focus on addressing the algae crisis in Lough Neagh, following confirmation from Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA that there is an 80% chance of a blue-green algae bloom this summer.

In a letter to Mr Swann, Minister Muir stated that DAERA water quality analysis indicates persistently high nutrient levels in the Lough, making a bloom highly probable. He added: "However, their frequency and extent are influenced by weather conditions and river flows which influence the factors listed previously and cannot currently be accurately predicted several months in advance. It is therefore not possible for the Department to accurately predict the severity of the bloom in the summer of 2025. However, AFBI has ascertained the probability of a bloom occurrence at 80%."

The Minister also warned that if weather conditions mirror the past two years, significant blooms of a similar scale are likely. Mr Swann expressed disappointment at the prospect of another bloom: "Tackling the crisis which we are unfortunately beginning to see each summer must remain a top priority for the Executive and Westminster. I am disappointed that again we can expect a blue-green algae bloom this year. Action needs to be taken urgently and effectively so we don't continue to see a repeat of the two previous summers time and time again."

He added: "Although the Environment Minister has published his Lough Neagh Action Plan – it is unfortunate that the research he has shared still suggests an 80% likelihood of a bloom this summer nonetheless. This Plan must remain on track and delivered on time, and I will continue to seek updates from the Minister on its progress. I urge him to look at every possible opportunity and resource available to protect our lough."

Robbie Butler MLA, Chair of the AERA Committee, also raised concerns about the clarity of information provided by officials. "During a recent Committee meeting, I asked officials from DAERA and the Chief Scientific Advisor's office if they anticipated an algal bloom and if it would be of the same significance as those seen in recent years. In that meeting, the officials were unable to give me a clear answer on the scale and severity of any blooms," he said.

He welcomed the Minister's more detailed response but stressed the need for greater clarity: "I'm pleased that the Minister has been able to provide more detail, but I would have expected a greater degree of clarity by now, three years into this crisis and with the monitoring that is in place so that we can properly anticipate the scale of any blooms and prepare for any impact on bathing and drinking water. Lough Neagh needs to remain a political priority, and it will certainly remain one for our Committee."