Concerns raised about possible algae poisoning in UK's largest freshwater lake in Lough Neagh
All leisure activities have been suspended there as a precaution, but officials insist there's no risk to wildlife
Last updated 16th Sep 2023
Campaigners have raised concerns about Lough Neagh, which they say is apparently being poisoned by toxic luminous algae.
It is the largest freshwater lake in the UK, providing about 40% of drinking water in Northern Ireland - although officials insist there is no risk to supplies.
All leisure activities have been suspended after the blue-green organism poisoned wildlife.
Mary O’Hagan has had to suspend her swimming club.
She said: “The risks, to the best of my understanding are things like headaches, dizziness, nausea.
“Long term aspects you can have things like liver damage, neurological damage…so it is not stuff to be played about with,” she added.
A group of nature activists have organised a ‘wake’ this weekend, to highlight the serious environmental concerns.
Love Our Lough is encouraging members of the public to meet at Ballyronan Marina on Sunday September, 17 at 2pm.
Dr Adam Mellor from the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute says there's no quick fix:
“We need to stop the extra nutrients and the contaminants; we’ve got all sorts of contaminants including micro-plastics…that are an issue within the lough.
“We need to stop those at source so everybody’d got to get in here it’s not just one sector,” he said.
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.