Blue-green algae 'growing concern' on north coast

Blue-green algae has been found on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

Scientists had noticed an increase in the amount of the potentially toxic algae at Lough Neagh at the beginning of August.

It had already been detected in the Bann River system and scientists were warning it could spread up the north coast - where its presence closed bathing waters in Portstewart and Portrush last year.

A report submitted to the Bloomin’ Algae app about a suspected sighting at the Barmouth between Portstewart and Castlerock was verified at the weekend.

Peter Smith from Loughgall the algae was a growing concern and not just for dogwalkers like himself.

"I want to know is there a strategic plan from up on the hill?' he asked.

"I would like to think there is.

"The degree of the algae is concerning, I have not heard anything to give me any confidence that this is being tackled and something is really being done about it.

"I must keep the dog away from the water, it is too worrying.”

“It would appear to be a natural phenomenon that has got totally out of hand," said Jackson Tinto from Lambeg.

"This is a chemical biological infestation it shouldn’t be beyond the wit of man to find ways of avoiding that, which hopefully they will do sooner rather than later."

“I have great hope in science, I hope scientists can find a solution," added Maura Tinto.

"My daughter is coming home from America and is here for three days. She had planned to spend one of them on Castlerock beach, I hope it is resolved by then.”

Bathing is not recommended at the Barmouth, which is the estuary of the Lower Bann River and is not an identified bathing site.

The National Trust has posted an “advice against bathing” notice as a precaution.

No notices have been issued at any of the identified beach bathing sites in the area, which remain open to swimmers.

Patrols by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and local bathing water operators, including Causeway Coast and Glens Council and the National Trust, have been increased.

It had been widely anticipated that the large-scale blooms in Lough Neagh would gradually make their way via the Toome Canal along the Lower Bann.

Recent heavy rain will have raised water levels in the lough and helped mobilise clumps of the algae.

It is potentially toxic to pets and dog walkers are advised not to let their dogs come into contact with the algae.