Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the Speaker’s Ruling on Assembly Questions on 12 March 2024, and pursuant to AQW 9137/22-27, what steps NI Water is taking to prevent the occurrence of blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh.
Minister for Infrastructure: This issue is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the requested information and have been advised that NI Water has been actively involved in the review of the blue green algae that manifested itself during Spring/Summer 2023, that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is leading on.
In doing so, NI Water has advised that it has established an internal focus group to identify and progress plans that can be put in place by this summer, and also longer-term actions which could be delivered over the following years, subject to the availability of funding.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com .
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
ENDS
Your MLA 