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The Issue

Lough Neagh has suffered from a major nutrient overload, with sources including agriculture, NI Water’s sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, and industrial pollution.

While all of these issues must be addressed, the scientific consensus is clear: the majority of nutrients—around 62%—originate from the agricultural sector.

The first step towards tackling this crisis is to support the proposed Nutrient Action Plan (NAP).

What is the NAP?

The Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) is a legal framework aimed at reducing water pollution caused by agricultural nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus (from slurry, fertiliser, and manure). These nutrients wash into rivers and lakes—including Lough Neagh—fueling harmful algal blooms that threaten health, wildlife, and livelihoods.

Why Is It Urgent?

Lough Neagh and many of our rivers are in crisis:

• Fish kills
• Toxic algal blooms
• Unsafe for recreation and tourism
• Risk to drinking water
• Damage to biodiversity
• Doing nothing is not an option.

What’s in the NAP Proposal (2025–2028)?

• Stricter rules on fertiliser and slurry use
• Tighter closed periods for spreading
• Bigger buffer zones near water
• Compulsory nutrient management plans
• Improved storage and spreading
• Enhanced slurry storage requirements
• Support for low-emission spreading equipment
• More monitoring and enforcement
• Soil testing and slurry movement tracking
• Stronger penalties for repeat breaches
• Focus on high-risk zones
• Tougher measures in Nutrient Vulnerable Zones like Lough Neagh catchments

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