Hugh Scullion Workers Party Representative for Mid-Ulster is Calling on the Minister to take immediate actions on the pollution of Lough Neagh and the removal of the Blue Green Algae.

Mr Scullion said the Workers Party is fully behind the campaign to save Lough Neagh over 3000 people took part in the rally at Arboe on the shores of the Lough demanding urgent action on the part of the Executive. He said the failure of the minister and the Executive parties to deal with this environmental disaster is disgraceful.

He added Lough Neagh supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water, and was once a major source of employment in the fishing industry especially known for the Lough Neagh Eels. The pollution is believed to be caused by an excess of nitrogen’s from domestic, agricultural waste and major food processing.

Raising temperature of the water due to climate change and sand dredging is also a contributing factor. There has been an invasion of zebra mussels, nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are found in agricultural fertiliser which can be washed off the land and into the water. Mr Scullion said the local people know the source of the problems, but the government seems more interested in protecting polluters than protecting the lough.

The Minister saying the lough is a priority but warning there can be no quick fix is simply not good enough, action must be taken against those who pollute not only the lough but the quality of our drinking water. The Executive must be prepared to take action to require the owner of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh to pay for towards the clean up he as he has reaped the rewards that have contributed to this environmental catastrophe. He has offered to sell these rights to our government but it should be taken into public ownership after he has made a substantial financial commitment to the clean up. Public ownership would be the best option and would ensure the future management of the Lough.