Debate contribution: Lough Neagh: Blue-green Algae
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 28 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Lough Neagh: Blue-green Algae
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5762225
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Steady progress is being made to deliver the Lough Neagh action plan, with partners continuing to implement measures aimed at improving water quality and protecting the long-term health of the lough. The consultation on an updated nutrients action programme to tackle pollution from agricultural sources has recently concluded. I recently announced a £49 million Lough Neagh catchment area water quality programme, through funding from the Shared Island initiative, which will support nature-based solutions on farms. I have also set out to the Assembly several key interventions to strengthen the regulation and enforcement of waste water activities. I seek to take those interventions forward, including the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill, which will strengthen the fines and penalties and hold polluters to account. In addition, I am seeking to leave the statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI), which is an administrative arrangement that has wrongly afforded NI Water a bye ball from prosecution for waste water pollution. I also continue to seek to establish an independent environmental protection agency. We need an independent environmental regulator, free from political interference and able to get on with the job of protecting our environment. It is wrong that we are the only part of the UK and Ireland that does not have an independent environmental protection agency, and its establishment has been blocked by the DUP. I am doing all that I can to improve water quality and strengthen regulation enforcement to hold the polluters to account. Whilst important strides have been made, it is essential to recognise that the recovery of the lough requires sustained long-term action and support for the difficult decisions that are required.
275 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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