Swann and Butler urge renewed efforts to tackle ongoing algae crisis at Lough Neagh

South Antrim MP Robin Swann and Robbie Butler MLA, Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee, have urged renewed efforts to tackle the ongoing algae crisis at Lough Neagh, as Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA has confirmed an 80% likelihood of a blue-green algae (BGA) bloom this summer.

In a letter responding to Mr Swann, Minister Muir, who oversees the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), outlined the latest water quality analysis.

He wrote:

“DAERA water quality analysis indicates nutrient levels remain high in the Lough and thus the probability of BGA blooms remains high. However, their frequency and extent are influenced by weather conditions and river flows which influence the factors listed previously and cannot currently be accurately predicted several months in advance.

“It is therefore not possible for the Department to accurately predict the severity of the bloom in the summer of 2025. However, AFBI has ascertained the probability of a bloom occurrence at 80%.”

The Minister further noted that if weather patterns align with those of the past two years, the blooms could mirror the significant scale seen in previous summers. He added: “…if conditions mirror those over the past 2 years, then significant BGA blooms of similar scale are likely.”

Mr Swann expressed frustration at the recurring environmental challenge, stating:

“Tackling the crisis which we are unfortunately beginning to see each summer must remain a top priority for the Executive and Westminster. I am disappointed that again we can expect a blue-green algae bloom this year. Action needs to be taken urgently and effectively so we don’t continue to see a repeat of the two previous summers time and time again.”

Despite the Minister’s recently published Lough Neagh Action Plan, Mr Swann highlighted concerns over its effectiveness, given the high probability of a bloom.

“Although the Environment Minister has published his Lough Neagh Action Plan - it is unfortunate that the research he has shared still suggests an 80% likelihood of a bloom this summer nonetheless,” he said. “This Plan must remain on track and delivered on time, and I will continue to seek updates from the Minister on its progress. I urge him to look at every possible opportunity and resource available to protect our lough.”

The confirmation follows uncertainty raised during a recent AERA Committee evidence session with DAERA officials and the Chief Scientific Advisor’s office.

Committee Chairman Robbie Butler MLA remarked:

“During a recent Committee meeting, I asked officials from DAERA and the Chief Scientific Advisor’s office if they anticipated an algal bloom and if it would be of the same significance as those seen in recent years. In that meeting, the officials were unable to give me a clear answer on the scale and severity of any blooms.”

While welcoming the Minister’s update, Mr Butler expressed disappointment at the lack of earlier clarity.

“I’m pleased that the Minister has been able to provide more detail, but I would have expected a greater degree of clarity by now, three years into this crisis and with the monitoring that is in place so that we can properly anticipate the scale of any blooms and prepare for any impact on bathing and drinking water,” he said. “Lough Neagh needs to remain a political priority, and it will certainly remain one for our Committee.”

With the summer of 2025 approaching, pressure is mounting on the Executive to deliver tangible progress on the Lough Neagh Action Plan and prevent another season dominated by algae blooms.