Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

A large quantity of toxic algae has bloomed on Lough Neagh, which is the largest freshwater lake on this island. This is the result of pollution from sewage and from farm run-off combining with hot temperatures. It has been estimated that 200,000 tonnes of sewage is discharged into the lake every year. The poisonous algae has killed pets and killed wildlife. Dead fish are washing ashore due to depleted oxygen in the water, threatening the livelihoods of local fishers. The banks of the lough are owned by none less than the Earl of Shaftesbury who has extracted large quantities of sand from the bed of the lough over decades. He has not done this himself but has paid other people to do it.

This ruthless profiteering has devastated local wildlife and worsened the algae crisis. Will the Taoiseach agree that our environment must come before private profit? Will he join with me in calling for the nationalisation of the lough without compensation and wish the people power campaign on this issue all the very best?

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