Latest news with #LoughErne
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae blight continues as projects aim to tackle blooms
The sight of Northern Ireland's waterways being covered in slimy, potentially toxic blue-green algae has become a regular occurrence in recent years - and 2025 is no different. The algae has been detected almost 100 times across Northern Ireland since the start of the year, with the majority of sightings in Lough Neagh and the Lower Bann, as well as Lough Erne. Lough Neagh, the UK's largest freshwater lake, has been blighted by large blooms of the potentially toxic algae in recent years. With these blooms becoming a recurrent event, not just confined to summer, and scientists warning they are likely to keep happening for many years to come - how bad is the issue and what's being done about it? How bad is the blue-green algae problem at Lough Neagh? A year ago the Northern Ireland Executive approved a plan to tackle the crisis at Lough Neagh. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said 14 actions have been delivered and 22 are progressing. Some of those actions have involved looking at trialling potential solutions, including bubble buoys and other initiatives - but in the meantime, questions persist over the condition of the lough. Fishermen have blamed water quality for playing a role in the cancellation of the eel-fishing season. The lough's health was further spotlighted by a joint visit by the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) earlier this month. The group includes Archbishops Eamon Martin and John McDowell, leaders of the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland; Rev Dr Trevor Gribben, moderator of the Presbyterian Church; and Rev Alan Wardlow, president of the Methodist Church in Ireland. They went to Maghery Point and Coney Island and met fishermen, local residents and campaigners. Archbishop Martin said the lough was a "microcosm" of the greater issues facing the planet, adding that we "have to be very conscious of the threats and the difficulties that are facing the earth at this time". Although blue-green algae and other blooms are causing problems in many waterways all over the world, Lough Neagh poses a particular challenge. It has many designations and protections because of its importance for wildlife and biodiversity. It is also a leisure and commercial resource - and let's not forget that it is vast, about 400 sq km, with a catchment almost 10 times that. Almost half of Northern Ireland's land ultimately drains into Lough Neagh, meaning that everything that goes onto that land - from agriculture, industry, wastewater, septic tank seepage and households - has the potential to affect the lough. It also provides 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water, including half of Belfast's. All these factors combine to make monitoring and managing problems very complicated. What is blue-green algae and why is it a problem? What action is being taken at Lough Neagh? Potential solutions to the blue-green algal problem in Lough Neagh have been piloted as part of the executive's action plan. There are two small business research initiatives are under way, looking at solutions and using technology to monitor the algae. The second phase of both is due to be announced soon. Among the potential solutions is a "bubble barrier". This involves two solar-powered buoys using compressed air to generate bubbles in a pattern that could push the algae into or out of specific areas. Another initiative looked to space, using drone and satellite technology to predict and detect when and where algal blooms may form. Other schemes, meanwhile, may seek to address the main source of pollution in the lough - from agricultural sources. The Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) was launched before the action plan but is included in it - it aims to tackle Northern Ireland's manure surplus. The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme is in its final year, with every field in Northern Ireland being tested for its nutrient content. That should help farmers target fertiliser more efficiently and help reduce the phosphorus surplus in the soil - issues that can be contributing factors to blooms. However, it is likely to be several years before these or any of the other potential solutions could become active, or have a direct impact on the lough. More immediately, the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) seeks to address water pollution from agricultural sources. It was first introduced in 2007 and led to improvements in water quality before the introduction of the Going for Growth strategy, which promoted the intensification of agriculture. That, Daera said, largely wiped out any gains the first five years of the NAP had made. This latest version of NAP is several years overdue, and the Office for Environmental Protection has signalled its interest in the delay. But Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir faced calls in the assembly to cancel the consultation on the draft plan. After he announced a plan to convene a stakeholder group that would review the responses, followed by a second consultation, farming groups encouraged members to take part in the process. A new NAP is already several years overdue and is a legal obligation. The initial consultation closed at the end of July. After the review group completes its work and the second consultation is held, it is hoped a final draft will be brought to the executive for approval as soon as possible. In a statement Daera said work will continue alongside progressing the remaining actions, including the required review of the Nutrients Action Programme, with consultation responses being analysed and a Stakeholder Task and Finish Group to be established. The department said water quality monitoring outreach events have been delivered to farm businesses. The statement said: "The minister has been consistently on the record that the separate regulatory regime with NI Water on wastewater known as SORPI needs to change and will be bringing proposals to executive colleagues on the matter over the time ahead." The minister said there are no quick fixes to the situation at Lough Neagh, with problems "decades in the making and decades in the fixing". What is blue-green algae? Technically known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. When this occurs, blue-green algae can form blooms that discolour the water, or produce floating mats or scums on the water's surface. The algae are bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and sickness in people who come into contact with it, but the biggest risk is to pets, livestock and wildlife. 'No surprise' that blue-green algae back in Lough Neagh 'Visible decline' in bird life on Lough Neagh Blue-green algae blooms in Martray Lough Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Remote island minutes from luxury spa and high-end golf course goes on sale for less than the price of a London flat
A BREATHTAKING island is currently on the market for less than the price of a flat in central London. This stunning location offers a serene lifestyle and even has a luxury spa right on its doorstep. 3 3 Whether you want to leave the stressful city life behind altogether or are looking for a balance of both worlds, this property has it all. The lucky owner of this private island can working remotely full-time or they can even make the three-hour trip to London for the occasional in-office day. Located on the extradorinary Lough Erne in the North of Ireland, this 10-acre private island boasts remarkable reviews of the Fermanagh Lakelands. And right now the public is in with the very rare opportunity of calling Long Island, Fermanagh their home. On the market for £395,000, the private island is located just minutes from Enniskillen town by boat. So you can enjoy the serenity of remote island living without being completely cut off from the world. Luxury living And the property is also on the door step of close the luxurious amenities at Lough Erne Golf Resort. Including a Catalina restaurant with a celebration of Irish flavours and an Ireland-meets-Thailand-inspired spa, this resort has welcomed some massive names over the years. The five-star hospitality venue even hosted the 39th G8 Summit in 2013. But perhaps most notably, it is home to an incredible 36-hole golf course played by sporting great's including Ireland's own Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington. Remote island recruiting teacher for 'world's easiest job' at tiny school with just FOUR pupils - but there's a catch Property potential This private island comes with a detached house, multi-berth marina, private jetty, cleared lawns, woodland area and lakeside views. And there's also development potential for those with the vision and any money leftover. Long Island has a green light for construction, with a Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development. The agent has visualised the kind of property that could potentially replace the current residence, showing renderings of a contemporary and minimalist "cabin". This space would is even complete with an expansive entertaining area similar to what you might find in the Hamptons. 5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers. 1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway. Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month. 2. Have a realistic property search Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it? 3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London. 4. Consider buying with another person Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner. You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already. 5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs. The current residents have owned the island since 1978, using it as a second home. And if you have a passion for watersports waterskiing, rowing and wakeboarding are particularly popular pastimes in the area. And with plane and ferry options between, the North of Ireland and the UK, commuting is becoming an increasingly popular option for workers. 'There has been a considerable increase in people moving home from London since Covid,' Claire Graham, director at Henry Graham, which specialises in sales and lettings, told the Standard. 'In many cases, that's because those still employed in London are now able to work remotely, while others are realising they can get much more for their money over here and a better standard of living when compared to the sky-high property prices and the cost of living in the capital." Derry Airport, located just 90 minutes from Enniskillen, offers regular flights to Heathrow. These flights take roughly the same amount of time as the drive, making your journey around three hours. If you're interested in owning your own slice of paradise, Long Island in Lower Lough Erne is for sale through Colliers New Homes. More on island living Or you can opt for a UK island home to dolphins, panoramic cliff views, and salmon fishing. Another breathtaking island with three beaches, stunning views, and seals is currently for sale. And a secret UK island with its own castle has hit the market for first time in 80 years Plus, a party island loved by Stormzy and Rihanna also went on sale for £25 million earlier this year. Scottish island with an "unspoilt" white sand beach is on sale for cheaper than a Glasgow home. 3
