Plea over algae fears in Castlewellan Lake

Plea over algae fears in Castlewellan Lake

13 September 2023

LOCAL politicians have backed calls for a leading government department to establish an urgent cross-party meeting to tackle rising cases of blue-green algae and to formally launch a new Environmental Protection Agency.

Castlewellan Lake is one of a number of waterways across the province affected by the issue which Slieve Croob councillor Andy McMurray wants the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to address.

He also wants departmental representatives to meet with Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials to discus the issue.

Cllr McMurray said there is concern about the recent blooms of blue-green algae in waterways which has an immediate knock-on and detrimental impact on users and businesses.

He has urged DAERA to arrange a meeting between all the key players to develop an action plan to address the algae issue, describing the increasing incidents across the district as “concerning” and revealed it is nothing new, with the problem ongoing for several years.

“I have spent my working career using the lake at Castlewellan, both as an instructor of various water-based activities, as well as an individual taking part in my own recreation,” he explained.

“I am keenly aware of the potentially devastating impacts of these outbreaks in terms of health implications, with devastating losses to beloved pets reported at Lough Neagh, but also to local businesses.”

Cllr McMurray said that at best, these particular businesses have to relocate to alternative sites which are very often quite a distance away and without the same standard of facilities and, at worst, have to turn people away from the their business and the associated loss of earnings.

He also praised Newry, Mourne and Down Council and other statutory agencies for the vital work they undertaking in testing the waters at our local sites.

Cllr McMurray continued: “This is a vital measure in monitoring the presence of blue-green algae, and increasing public awareness around water safety. But we need further action from an Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that preventative measures are enacted to enhance the water quality in our district. 

“This goes beyond just blue-green algae. There have been numerous instances of bathing being banned in our waters this summer due to polluted waters.”

Cllr McMurray said everything possible needs to be done to ensure the safety and cleanliness of all local waters, not only for people and visitors, but the natural world they habitat.

“An Environmental Protection Agency is a vital next step to ensure this protection,” he said.

“I would like to encourage all members of the public to remain vigilant in spotting and reporting blue-green algae, which can be done via the Bloomin’ Algae App. 

“All photos submitted to the app are checked and help the local council monitor and advise on the spread of blue-green algae. Whilst this is an important step to continue to monitor the ongoing problem, I hope that my motion can address the issue at hand, by encouraging discussion and problem-solving in a Northern Ireland cross-party way.