The South Antrim MLA said: “As we look at the continued state of Lough Neagh and other waterways in Northern Ireland, the OEP’s report is unsurprising. It shows that most of our waterways are in an unsatisfactory state, with little overall improvement in quality and, in some cases, even a decline.
“Andrew Muir MLA, in his short time as DAERA Minister, has prioritised addressing issues of water quality, notably by working at pace to publish the Lough Neagh Action Plan. Implementing this Plan will have a positive impact far beyond the Lough's shores as it will review the 3rd cycle River Basin Management Plan and the corresponding programme of measures as part of the Department’s overall water quality improvement strategy.
“It is reassuring to see the DAERA Minister dealing with this issue which was inherited due to the previous Minister’s inaction. Add to this the stagnation of progress on water quality as a result of long periods of government suspension.
“However, the OEP report makes clear that the necessary improvement to water quality will take a coordinated interdepartmental approach. The Department for Infrastructure must deliver on enhancing waste-water infrastructure through NI Water. Additionally, there is a need for significant sustained funding, as well as strong leadership across the Executive, to drive these improvements.
“I will continue to follow up with water quality issues as a member of the NI Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. We must use this report as an opportunity to turn the tide on our current declining water quality by implementing its recommendations for the benefit of our health, economy, and natural environment.”
“Andrew Muir MLA, in his short time as DAERA Minister, has prioritised addressing issues of water quality, notably by working at pace to publish the Lough Neagh Action Plan. Implementing this Plan will have a positive impact far beyond the Lough's shores as it will review the 3rd cycle River Basin Management Plan and the corresponding programme of measures as part of the Department’s overall water quality improvement strategy.
“It is reassuring to see the DAERA Minister dealing with this issue which was inherited due to the previous Minister’s inaction. Add to this the stagnation of progress on water quality as a result of long periods of government suspension.
“However, the OEP report makes clear that the necessary improvement to water quality will take a coordinated interdepartmental approach. The Department for Infrastructure must deliver on enhancing waste-water infrastructure through NI Water. Additionally, there is a need for significant sustained funding, as well as strong leadership across the Executive, to drive these improvements.
“I will continue to follow up with water quality issues as a member of the NI Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. We must use this report as an opportunity to turn the tide on our current declining water quality by implementing its recommendations for the benefit of our health, economy, and natural environment.”