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Minister 'determined' to chart path for delayed water pollution plan

Louise Cullen
BBC News NI environment and agriculture correspondent
PA Media The River Bann has water that's bright green and the aerial image shows how similar the green is to the fields surrounding the river. PA Media
Water pollution from agricultural sources is the main contributor to blue-green algal blooms as seen here at the River Bann where it meets Lough Neagh

Controversial water pollution measures will be evaluated by an independent group including farmers, environmental groups and agri-food representatives before going out for a second consultation, the environment minister has announced.

Andrew Muir said he was "determined" to chart a way forward on the long-delayed Nutrients Action Plan (NAP).

The NAP aims to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources and the latest plan is already overdue.

However, the department has faced pressure over the plan, with calls for the consultation to be scrapped and the document reassessed.

PA Media A swan swimming in the river, which is green in colour. The swan looks very white in comparison to the water. PA Media
Blue-Green Algal has been a concern across Northern Ireland as blooms appeared in places like the River Bann

Farmers accused the minister of being "out of touch" and criticised the consultation document as "flawed".

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has since published an addendum to the consultation document, clarifying some issues and correcting some "inconsistencies".

Water pollution from agricultural sources is the main contributor to blue-green algal blooms in Lough Neagh.

Andrew Muir is standing in a green garden by a tall building and is wearing a blue suit, blue shirt and a green bowtie. He has his black framed glasses on and his hair is grey and short.
Andrew Muir said officials were "considering" the financial requirements of some measures in the draft document

Muir said the NAP was vital given "the crisis declared at Lough Neagh" and called for "urgent and critical endeavour".

The independent group, including farmers, environmental groups and agri-food industry representatives, will be led by an external facilitator and is to be set up after 24 July when the initial consultation ends.

After considering the consultation responses and "any other potential solutions", the stakeholder group will be asked to bring forward "measures and actions, that are evidence based and workable at farm level within realistic timeframes, as well as meeting legislative requirements".

Muir added that officials were "considering" the financial requirements of some measures in the draft document.

The group's revised proposal and draft Economic Impact Assessment will then go to a further eight-week public consultation.

Mr Muir said he would "work with everyone", adding that "no final decisions have been taken".