Northern Ireland

Warning issued as toxic blue-green algae returns to Lough Erne

NI Environment Agency has confirmed presence of algae that can be fatal to dogs

Rossigh Bay at Lower Lough Erne, where blue-green algae has been confirmed.
Rossigh Bay at Lower Lough Erne, where blue-green algae has been confirmed.
By Paul Ainsworth

Toxic blue-green algae has been confirmed in a part of Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh, prompting warnings over the health risk to people and animals.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has received confirmation from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) that the algae was present at Rossigh Bay in Lower Lough Erne.

The algae appears as a result of factors including increased temperatures and pollution, and when it blooms - often very quickly - it can produce harmful toxins.

The council has warned people and their pet dogs to avoid contact with affected water.

Blue-green algae appeared in Lough Erne last year, while its presence in Lough Neagh last summer led to global headlines, with striking images of Ireland and the UK’s largest body of water covered in green sludge.

NI Water has warned that the situation in Lough Neagh could be “more severe” this summer.

This week’s confirmation of the algae in Co Fermanagh follows recent concerns that raw sewage being pumped into the waters there would trigger its resurgence as temperatures rose.

Signs have now been erected in the Rossigh Bay area to warn visitors.

A council spokesperson said it “advises residents and visitors to be aware of the potential presence of blue green algae in all waterways throughout the district at this time due to the potential risk to the health of humans and animals”.

People are also urged to report suspected blue-green algae with the Bloomin’ Algae app which is free to download to phones from the AppStore or Google Play.

UUP councillor for the Erne North area, Diana Armstrong, told The Irish News: “This is very concerning as we rely on the preservation of water in Lough Erne for tourism and on-water activities in the summer months.

“I would urge the NIEA to do what it can to minimise any spread of the algae, and echo calls for people to take care around the water, and in particular, to keep their pet dogs away from the water while walking.”