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13/03/2025
Minister Muir Convenes Second Lough Neagh Forum
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has convened the second Lough Neagh Stakeholder Forum, held at Ballyronan Marina, as efforts continue to implement the 37-point Lough Neagh Action Plan. The forum brought together various stakeholders to address the persistent water quality issues plaguing the lough.
Minister Muir emphasised the need for collaborative action, stating, "Today marks another important step in our shared journey to improve the water quality of Lough Neagh and its wider catchment. This is not a challenge that any single organisation or sector can address alone—it requires a collaborative, science-led, and sustained effort from all of us."
He highlighted the forum's role as a platform for joint action, noting that several key actions from the plan would be advanced in the coming period. "It's important we work together on the interventions needed to improve water quality," he said.
Acknowledging the long-term nature of the problem, Minister Muir warned that further blue-green algae blooms were likely this year. "As I have previously stated, the serious water quality problems at Lough Neagh were decades in the making and will be decades in the fixing. It is sadly highly likely that we will yet again witness another recurrence of the blue-green algae blooms this year," he said.
He reiterated his commitment to taking decisive action, stated: "In March last year I stated that difficult interventions will be required to address the ecological and biodiversity crisis declared at Lough Neagh. I will continue taking the action needed coupled with sustained engagement to help turn the tide on water quality at Lough Neagh and elsewhere."
The Action Plan, which is based on scientific evidence, aims to tackle the blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh and secure long-term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland.
During the forum, stakeholders received an update on the plan's implementation, with a particular focus on ongoing communications and education activities.
Minister Muir emphasised the need for collaborative action, stating, "Today marks another important step in our shared journey to improve the water quality of Lough Neagh and its wider catchment. This is not a challenge that any single organisation or sector can address alone—it requires a collaborative, science-led, and sustained effort from all of us."
He highlighted the forum's role as a platform for joint action, noting that several key actions from the plan would be advanced in the coming period. "It's important we work together on the interventions needed to improve water quality," he said.
He reiterated his commitment to taking decisive action, stated: "In March last year I stated that difficult interventions will be required to address the ecological and biodiversity crisis declared at Lough Neagh. I will continue taking the action needed coupled with sustained engagement to help turn the tide on water quality at Lough Neagh and elsewhere."
The Action Plan, which is based on scientific evidence, aims to tackle the blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh and secure long-term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland.
During the forum, stakeholders received an update on the plan's implementation, with a particular focus on ongoing communications and education activities.
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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.
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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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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.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
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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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Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
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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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.
12 August 2022
Future Potential Of Lough Neagh
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.
Future Potential Of Lough Neagh
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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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.
