01/06/2012
Other NI News In Brief
Toxic Algae At NI Lakes
Two Northern Ireland lakes have been closed to anglers and swimmers after a toxic algae bloomed.
The blue-green blooms have appeared at Loughbrickland Lake in County Down and Moor Lough near Strabane over the past week.
After advice that the algae could be a public health risk, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure asked lake visitors to take care until the scare is over.
Side effects of eating fish from the lakes could include skin rashes, vomiting and fever.
Drowned Teenager’s Funeral Service
The funeral has taken place of the teenager who drowned in a flooded quarry in Strabane during the week.
The requiem mass for Rhys Jack, 17, was held at St Mary’s Church on Melmount Road in the town.
Community Service For Cigarette Smuggler
A boatman at Belfast port smuggled 200,00 Russian cigarettes through.
Gerard Maxwell of North Hill Street, Belfast, pleaded guilty to avoiding more than £47,000 of duty.
He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service.
Waitrose Partnership With Dunnes
Luxury supermarket Waitrose is to supply Dunnes Stores with more products.
The company is likely to boost the stock with seasonal products.
(NE)
Two Northern Ireland lakes have been closed to anglers and swimmers after a toxic algae bloomed.
The blue-green blooms have appeared at Loughbrickland Lake in County Down and Moor Lough near Strabane over the past week.
After advice that the algae could be a public health risk, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure asked lake visitors to take care until the scare is over.
Side effects of eating fish from the lakes could include skin rashes, vomiting and fever.
Drowned Teenager’s Funeral Service
The funeral has taken place of the teenager who drowned in a flooded quarry in Strabane during the week.
The requiem mass for Rhys Jack, 17, was held at St Mary’s Church on Melmount Road in the town.
Community Service For Cigarette Smuggler
A boatman at Belfast port smuggled 200,00 Russian cigarettes through.
Gerard Maxwell of North Hill Street, Belfast, pleaded guilty to avoiding more than £47,000 of duty.
He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service.
Waitrose Partnership With Dunnes
Luxury supermarket Waitrose is to supply Dunnes Stores with more products.
The company is likely to boost the stock with seasonal products.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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10 July 2023
People Urged To Remain Vigilant To Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks
Following the confirmation of highly toxic blue-gree algae at Castlerock Beach, people have been urged to remain vigilant and take extra care over the July holidays, particularly the Portstewart/Castlerock area.
People Urged To Remain Vigilant To Blue-Green Algae Outbreaks
Following the confirmation of highly toxic blue-gree algae at Castlerock Beach, people have been urged to remain vigilant and take extra care over the July holidays, particularly the Portstewart/Castlerock area.
02 April 2025
Lough Neagh Algae Bloom Likely This Summer – Minister Warns
South Antrim MP Robin Swann and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee Chair Robbie Butler MLA have called for renewed focus on addressing the algae crisis in Lough Neagh, following confirmation from Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA that there is an 80% chance of a blue-green algae bloom this summer.
Lough Neagh Algae Bloom Likely This Summer – Minister Warns
South Antrim MP Robin Swann and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee Chair Robbie Butler MLA have called for renewed focus on addressing the algae crisis in Lough Neagh, following confirmation from Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA that there is an 80% chance of a blue-green algae bloom this summer.
13 March 2025
Minister Muir Convenes Second Lough Neagh Forum
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has convened the second Lough Neagh Stakeholder Forum, held at Ballyronan Marina, as efforts continue to implement the 37-point Lough Neagh Action Plan. The forum brought together various stakeholders to address the persistent water quality issues plaguing the lough.
Minister Muir Convenes Second Lough Neagh Forum
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has convened the second Lough Neagh Stakeholder Forum, held at Ballyronan Marina, as efforts continue to implement the 37-point Lough Neagh Action Plan. The forum brought together various stakeholders to address the persistent water quality issues plaguing the lough.
23 October 2024
New Research Vessel To Combat Lough Neagh Blue-Green Algae
A research vessel has been transferred to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to aid in their efforts to address the blue-green algae problem in Lough Neagh. The vessel, named 'Salar', was officially handed over by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a visit to Ballyronan Marina.
New Research Vessel To Combat Lough Neagh Blue-Green Algae
A research vessel has been transferred to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to aid in their efforts to address the blue-green algae problem in Lough Neagh. The vessel, named 'Salar', was officially handed over by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a visit to Ballyronan Marina.
11 July 2023
Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches
The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed. The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches
The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed. The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.