Environment Agency confirms source of nauseating stench on Lough Neagh shore as aerial footage shows how it is spreading

The NI Environment Agency has confirmed that the source of a nauseating, noxious odour on the shores of Lough Neagh is due to the dying bloom of toxic green algae which has been rippling across the shores.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 10th Aug 2023, 18:43 BST
Updated 11th Aug 2023, 09:29 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Putrid algae bloom which is turning much of Lough Neagh’s south shoreline green is washing along the shore lapping up at Bartin’s Bay, Oxford Island and right around to the Western Shore in what has become a regular and unwelcome summer phenomenon.

-

Read More
Political row breaks out over Brexit as transport firm Morgan McLernon confirms ...
Shocking photo of toxic green algae at Bartin's Bay, Lough Neagh which has been invaded by the grimmy bloom during warm weather. Photo courtesy of Dorothy JohnstonShocking photo of toxic green algae at Bartin's Bay, Lough Neagh which has been invaded by the grimmy bloom during warm weather. Photo courtesy of Dorothy Johnston
Shocking photo of toxic green algae at Bartin's Bay, Lough Neagh which has been invaded by the grimmy bloom during warm weather. Photo courtesy of Dorothy Johnston

-

Residents in the Derrytrasna areas have reported a noxious gas smell with one contacting the NI Fire Service who ruled out gas. Another resident said: "The smell in surrounding areas of gas is unbelievable.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some have blamed agricultural waste for the rise in the algae. The Public Health Agency, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Environment Agency have been informed.

Lough Neagh is home to a large number of native species like eel, trout and pollan but fishermen are concerned with some saying this recurrence of the algae will upset the ecological balance of the lake.

Aerial drone footage of Lough Neagh which has been plagued by the grim gloopy green algae which is toxic to humans and fatal to dogs.Aerial drone footage of Lough Neagh which has been plagued by the grim gloopy green algae which is toxic to humans and fatal to dogs.
Aerial drone footage of Lough Neagh which has been plagued by the grim gloopy green algae which is toxic to humans and fatal to dogs.

The algae, which is toxic to humans and can be fatal for dogs, has rarely been away from Lough Neagh this summer much to the annoyance of swimming groups and those who enjoy jet skiing and walking their dogs. Swans and other wildlife have perished and some pets have also died.

A spokesperson for the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) said: ““The Environment Agency (NIEA) received reports of odour along the southern shores of Lough Neagh on Wednesday 9 August 2023. Complaints of odour are investigated by local councils and NIEA has informed Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Environmental Health Departments, which are currently investigating.

Hide Ad