FUNDING of £450k has been announced to help authorities in Northern Ireland explore potential solutions for an ongoing algae problem at a popular beauty spot. Lough Neagh is the largest lough in Ireland and the UK but it is heavily polluted and concerns for its future were raised last summer with the appearance of toxic blue-green algae in the water. The blooms, which pose a risk to humans and animals, have returned this year, and following a visit by First Minister Michelle O’Neill in March , Stormont has vowed to do "everything we can" to protect the lake for future generations.
This week the Northern Ireland Executive revealed their £450K initiative which is designed to “explore solutions" to tackle the blue green algae at the site. Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister, Andrew Muir launched Phase one of their Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) this week. It is designed to “explore potential solutions to treat and reduce blue-green algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh and associated Northern Ireland water ways” and will be conducted over two phases.
The first will see five applicants selected to develop proof of concepts for the scheme. The second will see two to three of those concepts selected and developed as potential pilot solutions to the algae problem. “I am pleased to announce the launch of Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), sup.