He was speaking after Alliance Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, updated the Northern Ireland Assembly on actions his department is taking. 

This includes key commitments like implementing stricter fines and penalties for water pollution, withdrawing NI Water’s license to pollute, and introducing more stringent standards on discharge consents.

The South Antrim MLA said: “This is an incredibly welcome announcement.  Tackling wastewater pollution is a matter of public health, environmental protection and economic resilience. Nowhere is this clearer than at Lough Neagh, where repeated blue-green algae blooms and deteriorating water quality have impacted wildlife, drinking water sources and local livelihoods.

“I commend the Minister for the breadth of his ambition, showing the leadership needed to meet the scale of the environmental challenge we face. Securing Executive approval and urgent action from the Infrastructure Minister will be vital to ensuring that progress continues and that the necessary reforms are delivered in full.

“Ultimately, it is crucial we crack down on wastewater pollution and ensure those responsible are held to account. Stronger fines, robust enforcement powers, and ending special status for any polluter sends a clear message: no one should have a licence to pollute.”