Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), representing environmental organisations with over 190,000 individual members, continues to support the need for ambitious plans to address the crisis in water quality faced by Northern Ireland.

The Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), first introduced in 2007, aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution from agricultural sources, particularly surplus nutrients like nitrates and phosphates. The most recent public consultation, launched in May, presents an important opportunity to review and improve existing measures to address growing problems such as algal blooms, and uphold longstanding law.

Nutrient pollution reduces water quality and is a key driver of the decline in biodiversity in Northern Ireland. It is one of the main causes of blue green algae in waterbodies across the country, most notably in Lough Neagh, and nutrient enrichment is also impacting transitional and coastal waterbodies. The major sources of nutrient pollution are from agriculture, wastewater treatment works, domestic systems and industry.

NIEL is therefore disappointed that a majority of MLAs have called for the NAP consultation to be withdrawn. All the political parties along with the agricultural and environmental sectors with which we engage, have been unified in their commitment to support tangible action for cleaner water across Northern Ireland – for public health, for nature and long-term economic resilience. But verbal commitment must be backed up by action and financial support to make the changes that are necessary. A public consultation is the appropriate mechanism for honest debate, collaborative working and improvement to proposals. A productive meeting with Minister Muir, NIEL and the UFU last week identified a clear way forward with the consultation process and it is disappointing that this is now at risk.

NIEL members recognise the efforts already made by farmers to reduce pollution and appreciate that delivering change is challenging in any industry. NIEL consistently advocates for increased investment to support farmers with the transition towards sustainable practices. NIEL also supports the agriculture sector in asks for transparent measures to reduce pollution from other sources including wastewater, domestic properties and industry.

NIEL’s staff and members strongly condemn any abusive or threatening comments against individuals. There must always be space for open and honest debate on policy development and progress.

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