SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
It follows a report from the NI Audit Office which said that targets to improve water quality in Northern Ireland’s rivers and lakes by 2027 will not be met.
Said the Foyle MLA: “It is deeply concerning that for almost a decade, not only has our water quality not improved but it has deteriorated significantly with the number of our lakes deemed to be of ‘good ecological status’ dropping from 24% to just 14%.
“The findings of today’s report will sadly, not come as a surprise given the recent ecological disaster at Lough Neagh but they should serve as a clarion that we must do better.
“The current failures in water quality management are unacceptable and demand urgent action. The persistent issues pose a risk to public health, biodiversity and the surrounding environment.
“Worryingly we’re the only region of the UK where assessing wastewater treatment is preannounced.
“Reforming this practice was due to be implemented in 2016 but this can has been kicked a decade further down the road, until 2027.
“That’s unacceptable.
“Clearly, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs are not treating this issue with the urgency it deserves.
“The water quality of rivers and lakes in the South is much better than the North, that said, both jurisdictions have some way to go in terms of meeting EU targets by 2027.
“As such, it’s important to adopt a more holistic approach, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of our water systems. Water pollution like climate change, knows no borders and impacts ecosystems across the island.
“An all-island strategy which engages with all relevant stakeholders including the agriculture sector, is critical in order to effectively address challenges, develop sustainable practices and enhance monitoring of pollution incidents.
“Policymakers on both sides of the border must work together to uphold environmental protections and to safeguard our shared water resources for future generations.”
