Council to Work With DAERA to Improve Districts Water Quality

Human health concerns surfacing from Lough Neagh’s blue-green algae has caused a Newry councillor to seek increased Stormont protection of the district’s water quality.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee agreed this week to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to support improvements in the quality of open water ways.

However, despite now confirming five months of water testing which led to two lakes being shut down last summer, the local authority says it does not hold a record of any pollutants.

Bringing forward the motion at Monday nights, 9 February meeting, Newry City councillor Doire Finn said: “The council notes with disappointment recent figures that suggest water quality levels at two lakes in the district were of poor quality.”

She added: “This motion came out from the really awful impacts of not looking after watercourses like Lough Neagh and I think it is really important we look after those bodies of water as we live in a really beautiful part of the world.

“I think we all know how important Newry Canal is and is set to be a massive part of our new city park and it is really important that asset is protected as the jewel in the crown it should be.

“In terms of working with DAERA and other external bodies I think there are some really good options to explore with nature based solutions.”

The council is currently considering plans to reboot the Newry Canal waterway after a 30 year break, which previously saw people compete in homemade rafts on the water.

Poor conditions of Castlewellan in Co Down and Camlough Lake in south Armagh were identified in July/ August 2025 amid a warning for the public not to enter the waterways.

Castlewellan Lake located within the forest park attracts thousands of visitors annually for a variety of activities, including canoeing, paddle-boarding, and fishing.

Camlough Lake is also due for a major development with plans for the council to generate a water activity facility supported by £2.8m of UK Levelling Up funds.

Slieve Croob Alliance councillor Helena Young said: “I have actually been making enquires as to the testing of public water since this time last year, specifically in relation to Castlewellan lake.

“I understand that the council is not obliged to test non-designated bathing waters, but that testing is carried out which is really good.

“I just want to clarify on waters used for recreational activities, obviously people may not swim in these waters, but still can be falling into the water during that activity.

“What is the schedule for water testing and how often is it carried out?”

A council officer responded: “Both Camlough and Castlewellan lakes are non-designated bathing waters.

“But, it is the acknowledgement of a high level of activity on those locations that we last year carried out water testing from May to September in line with usage of the lakes.”

A Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to identify the pollutants causing the hazardous conditions.

The response read: “The council does not hold any information in relation to the source of the pollutants at either lake.”

The Motion from Cllr Doire Finn

"Newry Mourne and Down District council notes with disappointment recent figures that suggest water quality levels at two lakes in the district were of poor quality; recognises the environmental importance of ensuring our District has clean bodies of water: further recognises the economic potential of ensuring bodies of water such as Newry Canal and Camlough lake are clean and fit for use; and will work with DAERA and other external bodies to support improvements to water quality"

The Motion was referred to the Economy, Regeneration & Tourism Committee from full council in accordance with Standing Order 16.1.6