18/09/2025
Space Technology Deployed To Tackle Lough Neagh Algae
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the latest step forward in using space technology to deal with blue-green algae blooms in Lough Neagh.
He was speaking at the launch of Phase 2 of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) to develop a remote sensing solution that can predict, detect, and monitor the algae.
The Phase 2 programme has been awarded £800,000 in funding from the UK Space Agency and will run until April 2026. Two suppliers, Plastic-i and Newcastle University, have been selected to develop new tools. Plastic-i is working on a platform that combines satellite imagery, drone data, and environmental information to deliver bloom risk maps, while Newcastle University is advancing a low-cost sensor and observation analytics to improve early detection.
Minister Muir stated the investment moves the project from research to "real-world solutions," giving teams earlier, more accurate information. The programme aligns with the Lough Neagh Action Plan, and the technology will strengthen DAERA's approach of combining satellite intelligence with on-site measurements and public health guidance.
He was speaking at the launch of Phase 2 of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) to develop a remote sensing solution that can predict, detect, and monitor the algae.
Minister Muir stated the investment moves the project from research to "real-world solutions," giving teams earlier, more accurate information. The programme aligns with the Lough Neagh Action Plan, and the technology will strengthen DAERA's approach of combining satellite intelligence with on-site measurements and public health guidance.
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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.
05 August 2024
DAERA Minister Launches New Blue-Green Algae Initiative
A new initiative designed to explore potential solutions to address the ongoing blue-green algae issues at Lough Neagh. Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), has been launched by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.
DAERA Minister Launches New Blue-Green Algae Initiative
A new initiative designed to explore potential solutions to address the ongoing blue-green algae issues at Lough Neagh. Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), has been launched by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.
09 February 2024
'Investment, Commitment And Partnership' Needed For Lough Neagh
Addressing the issues at Lough Neagh will take "investment, commitment and partnership working over decades", Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has said.
'Investment, Commitment And Partnership' Needed For Lough Neagh
Addressing the issues at Lough Neagh will take "investment, commitment and partnership working over decades", Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has said.
02 March 2007
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
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.
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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.