What is the Lough Neagh Recovery Plan?

The Lough Neagh Recovery Plan is a set of 37 actions being implemented to address the environmental issues at Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland's largest freshwater lake. As of October 2025, 14 of the actions have been delivered, with 22 more underway.

How has the blue-green algae affected Lough Neagh?

The blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh have plagued the lake for the past 3 summers, leading to the eel-fishing season being cut short. The minister warned that the algae has also been detected moving along the Lower Bann River, prompting advice against bathing at several north coast beaches.

What is the role of Northern Ireland Water in the water pollution crisis?

According to the article, Northern Ireland Water has been identified as one of the "culprits" contributing to the sewage pollution issues affecting Lough Neagh and other water bodies like Belfast Lough. The Agriculture Minister has expressed frustration with the Department for Infrastructure, which oversees Northern Ireland Water, and called for the Infrastructure Minister to answer questions on the matter.

Home / Environment / Northern Ireland Minister Warns of Looming Water Pollution Crisis

Northern Ireland Minister Warns of Looming Water Pollution Crisis

15 Oct

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Summary

Agriculture Minister "fast losing patience" with Infrastructure Department over water pollution
Concern that Belfast Lough could become "the next Lough Neagh" due to pollution
Lough Neagh plagued by blue-green algae blooms for 3 summers, impacting eel fishing

Northern Ireland Minister Warns of Looming Water Pollution Crisis

As of October 15th, 2025, Northern Ireland's Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir has voiced strong concerns over the worsening water pollution situation in the region. Muir stated that he is "fast losing patience" with the Department for Infrastructure, which he believes is not doing enough to address the issue.

The minister's comments come amid an ongoing environmental crisis at Lough Neagh, the UK's largest freshwater lake. For the third summer in a row, the lough has been plagued by noxious blooms of blue-green algae, leading to the eel-fishing season being cut short. Muir warned that Belfast Lough could potentially become "the next Lough Neagh" if the sewage pollution problem is not urgently addressed.

Muir emphasized the need to listen to scientific evidence and take decisive action, noting that the situation had been previously warned about by experts. He stated that while his own department is responsible for regulation and enforcement around pollution, the Department for Infrastructure also has a key role to play in tackling the issue of sewage pollution. The minister called on the Infrastructure Minister to appear before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and engage with the matter.

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