Gaston challenges Minister Muir on NI Water’s role in Lough Neagh sewage pollution crisis

Inset: (Left) TUV MLA Timothy Gaston, and (right) DAERA Minister Andrew Muir

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has challenged the Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir, over the role of Northern Ireland Water in the continuing sewage pollution of Lough Neagh.

The exchange took place in the Assembly on Tuesday, September 10, against a backdrop of public anger about the deteriorating condition of the lough, which has been plagued by blue-green algae and other environmental pressures.

Mr Gaston raised concerns about untreated sewage entering the lough, asking:

“Minister, you rightly highlighted the importance of water quality and waste water management. Closer to home, however, there is deep public concern about the reported 200,000 tons of raw sewage being discharged into the Lough Neagh catchment area.

“Will you outline what progress you have made with your DFI counterpart to ensure that that ongoing pollution, which Northern Ireland Water contributes to, is brought under control?”

In response, Mr Muir acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and stressed the need for stronger regulation:

“It is a critical issue. We are pumping sewage into Lough Neagh, Belfast lough and our waterways, and something needs to be done about it.

“My responsibility relates to regulation and enforcement.

“Since NI Water was established in 2007, there has been a separate regulatory regime for NI Water. Farmers often tell me, ‘That is not fair’, and I agree with them.

“I will need support from Executive colleagues to have a regulation and enforcement regime on sewage pollution that makes it clear that there are no separate arrangements for anyone. That will come forward in the next number of months, and I will need backing on it.”

The Agriculture Minister’s comments highlight a growing recognition within government that sewage discharges are contributing significantly to the lough’s decline.

Environmental campaigners and local communities have long argued that the scale of untreated wastewater entering the catchment area demands urgent intervention.

While farming practices are often criticised for fuelling nutrient run-off into waterways, the Minister’s remarks place fresh focus on Northern Ireland Water and the regulatory system that governs it. He suggested that new measures will be brought forward in the coming months, but stressed that political support across the Executive will be vital to secure change.

Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, supplies drinking water to around 40% of Northern Ireland’s population. Its ongoing pollution crisis has become a flashpoint in debates over environmental protection, public health, and the responsibilities of government and industry.