Wake to be held at Lough Neagh as collective group voice their concerns over 'environmental disaster' at Britain's largest lake

Committee member Jo Montague outlined how those in attendance are urged to wear black clothing to truly reflect how the lake is facing an "environmental disaster" as vast algal blooms are wreaking havoc.

It comes at a time when algal blooms in Lough Neagh have appeared at a level not seen since the 1970s, with rising temperatures and pollution cited as the main causes of the dangerous growths, which can be harmful to humans and animals.

"We are calling on the local community to rally together for the environmental disaster that is happening," Ms Montague said.

"We are asking people to wear black to reflect the sense of community loss and how detrimental the current situation is for wildlife, business owners and on people's mental health.

"Local businesses and fishermen rely on the lough for income but the smell is bad and anglers have been advised to catch and release fish.

"It is an absolute disaster and it's affecting people right across Northern Ireland and it's detrimental to mental health. The lough has always been a meeting point for people to meet up, have fun, chat to others and you could spend all day there but that's not possible now."

Ms Montague believes it's important that an agency or body exercises executive control over the lough before it's too late.

She added: "It's a grey area because nobody owns the water or wants to take responsibility.

"We have been lobbying with politicians, agencies and bodies, and have support from other environmental groups.

"It's important that someone comes forward with a solution to try and save the lough.”

A DAERA statement said that the department has established an Operational Task Team which is “focused on the immediate response” and “the notification to relevant bodies.”

It added that meetings have been held to discuss the blue-green algae issue with a number of relevant government departments and other agencies.