Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Saturday 2 December 2023 Dublin: 2°C
Podcast

The Explainer: Lough Neagh has been hit by an algal bloom disaster - what’s happening?

The algae has left wildlife dead and led to questions over the safety of drinking water at Lough Neagh. Shauna Corr, environment correspondent and columnist with news outlets including The Irish Mirror and Belfast Live joins us to look at the history of the lake, the real-life impacts of the algal bloom, and what the local response has been.

THE LARGEST FRESHWATER lake on the island of Ireland has been hit by an environmental disaster.

An algal bloom has left wildlife dead and led to questions over the safety of drinking water at Lough Neagh.

The cause has been attributed to a number of factors, including a warming climate, sewage, and high levels of agricultural run-off.

The solution is less clear: with a Stormont in stalemate and environmental oversight north of the border not as sharp as it is south, it’s hard to see the end of the problem.

Joining us on this week’s episode of The Explainer to examine the impact of the algal bloom and what happens next is Shauna Corr, environment correspondent and columnist with Reach Ireland, working with news outlets in Ireland, north and south, including The Irish Mirror and Belfast Live.

She looks at the history of the lake, the real-life impacts of the algal bloom, and what the local response has been.


The Explainer / SoundCloud

This episode was put together by presenter Laura Byrne, senior producer Nicky Ryan and executive producer Sinéad O’Carroll.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
2
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel