Minister Andrew Muir announces an Environmental Improvement Plan for Lough Neagh, addressing agricultural runoff, invasive zebra mussels, and climate change, to improve water quality over a long period.
Minister Andrew Muir expresses shame over the environmental crisis affecting Lough Neagh, the UK and Ireland's largest freshwater lake, which supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. Last summer, noxious blooms covered large parts of the lake, impacting waterways and beaches. Agricultural runoff, invasive zebra mussels, and climate change are cited as factors contributing to the crisis. Muir plans to develop an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) to tackle the issues and improve water quality, acknowledging that real and sustained improvements will take decades. He emphasizes the need for collective action across government, private and public sectors, and local communities.
March 05, 2024
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