These sessions will offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the causes and impacts of blue-green algae and the actions being taken to mitigate its effects. Representatives from various government agencies and environmental organizations will be on hand to discuss their roles and provide advice to the community on how they can contribute to reducing pollution and improving water quality.
Participating organisations include the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Marine and Fisheries Group, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland Water, Food Standards Agency, Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, as well as local environmental groups like the Rivers Trust and Lough Neagh Partnership.
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DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, said: "Blue green algae is a complex issue that has been decades in the making and it will take decades to fix, but that can only be done by everyone coming together to learn more about it, understand what we are doing to tackle it and contribute to finding solutions.
"I am fully committed to protecting this natural resource and our water quality for generations to come, but we must all work together - government, industry and community – to achieve that. One example of that is this week’s announcement of almost half a million pounds of government funding to five suppliers to develop physical, chemical or biological solutions to treat the blooms by tapping into new innovative ideas and technologies.
"These drop-in sessions are another example of the importance of working together towards a solution. I would urge anyone with an interest in the lough and who is seeking to increase their understanding of the role they can play in protecting it to pop into their local session and chat to the many organisations taking part. The organisations will share the latest information about its work and be available to discuss any questions and concerns the public may have."
The sessions are running from 12 noon to 7pm on the following dates:
• Wednesday, 9 October - The Marina Centre, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan BT45 6JG.
• Wednesday, 16 October– St Clare's Community Hall, 55 Chapel Road, Glenavy, Dundrod BT29 4LY.
• Wednesday, 23 October– Craigavon Civic Centre, 66 Lakeview Rd, Craigavon BT64 1AL.
