Fresh concerns have been raised about pollution on Lough Neagh as the ongoing environmental crisis was discussed at the assembly.
There was widespread concern last summer as large areas around the the world-famous waterway were blanketed in toxic blue green algae.
Details about the appearance of an unidentified ‘thick scum’ substance at Toome Canal, in Co Antrim, came as politicians debated a call to form a new management structure and plan to protect the lough which provides 40% of the north’s drinking water.
Water from Lough Neagh drains into the canal, which bypasses sluice gates located where the lough meets the River Bann near the village of Toome.
Local people have raised concerns after a white and brown coloured substance appeared at a set of lock gates located on the canal in recent days.
A local man, who visits the area every day, said the unknown substance is several inches thick.
“I have been about here for a long time and not in my lifetime did I ever see that,” the former Lough Neagh eel fisherman said.
“I think it’s part of the pollution, it’s part of what’s happening in Lough Neagh.”
“It’s a disaster and it’s catastrophic, what’s happening, and it’s beyond fixing,” he added.
The ongoing impact of pollution on the lough was seen last summer when toxic blue-green algae appeared around large parts of the lake.
The impact of nutrient run off from agriculture, including slurry spreading, sewage releases and leeching from septic tanks near the lough has resulted in the damaging blue green algae blooms.
The problem has been exacerbated by invasive zebra mussels and global warming.
Stormont politicians have promised to find a solution to devastating environmental damage being caused.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, in a statement on Tuesday evening, said it had not received any reports regarding pollution at Toome Canal.
“If anyone wishes to report pollution, they are encouraged to ring the incident hotline on 0800 807060,” the spokesperson said.
SDLP assembly member Patsy McGlone said: “The department needs to fully investigate this as it looks very strange and certainly doesn’t look particularly healthy to me.”
Agriculture minister Andrew Muir and Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd were both present at the assembly on Tuesday for a debate on a motion calling for a cross-departmental body to be set up to address issues facing the Lough Neagh.
