What is the environmental crisis at Lough Neagh?

Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland's largest freshwater lake, has been facing a severe environmental crisis, with the lake suffering from toxic blue-green algae blooms for the past three summers.

How have activists responded to the Lough Neagh crisis?

Activists have staged a dramatic protest, declaring the Northern Ireland Parliament Buildings at Stormont a "crime scene" over the government's failure to address the issues facing Lough Neagh. They have called for urgent action, including the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency and a halt to factory farms.

Home / Environment / Stormont Declared "Crime Scene" Over Lough Neagh Environmental Crisis

Stormont Declared "Crime Scene" Over Lough Neagh Environmental Crisis

Q: What are the main causes of the Lough Neagh crisis?

The crisis at Lough Neagh has been attributed to an excess of nutrients from various sources, including waste water, septic tanks, and agricultural runoff, exacerbated by climate change and the invasive Zebra Mussel species.

21 Oct

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Summary

Lough Neagh facing third summer of blue-green algae blooms
Activists call for independent EPA, community ownership, and halt to factory farms
Government departments accused of "murdering" the lough through inaction

Stormont Declared "Crime Scene" Over Lough Neagh Environmental Crisis

In a dramatic protest, activists have declared Northern Ireland's seat of government, the Parliament Buildings at Stormont, a "crime scene" over the ongoing environmental crisis at Lough Neagh. The lough, described as the region's "most precious natural habitat and cultural jewel," has been blighted by blooms of blue-green algae for the third summer in a row as of October 2025.

The cause of the crisis has been attributed to an excess of nutrients from a variety of sources, including waste water, septic tanks, and agricultural runoff, exacerbated by climate change and the invasive Zebra Mussel species. Despite the implementation of a Lough Neagh Recovery Plan by the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, activists argue that all government departments are responsible for the lough's deterioration.