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 5762233
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I met with the eel fishermen last week regarding the package. I want to reassure you and those affected by this that the Department has stretched itself as far as it can to provide that support package. In Northern Ireland, it is often the least well-off who are affected the most as a result of environmental damage, so it is important that we have a just transition and support people who are affected by this. The arrangements that have been put in place restrict eel fishermen for the next three years, which I recognise is difficult for them. We have announced a support package based on 50% reimbursement of income forgone, using a three-year fishing track record, based on 2022, 2023 and 2024. Payment to eligible fishers will be made annually over the three-year life of the scheme. The scheme will also support hauliers, and it is important that we put that in place. We will seek to operationalise this as soon as possible and ensure that we get the support out to people. We need to put administrative arrangements in place, but I thought that it was important to engage with the fishermen and make the announcement last week.
200 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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