Public meeting held on Camlough Lake algae threat

People Before Profit held a public meeting at Camlough Lake on Wednesday night, 22 July to facilitate community discussion around the ongoing pollution problem affecting the site. The lake remains officially closed for use due to the presence of toxic blue green algae, as reported by DAERA.

People Before Profit's Newry and Armagh representative Marc Mac Seáin said people at the meeting raised concerns about a lack of information. "People are feeling there's a lack of clear communication, transparency about the state of the lake & testing. There's anxiety about mounting pollution and what's become an annual problem for Camlough and across the North."

He said action was needed to address the source of the pollution. "We must see action to prevent pollution, whatever the source. Our water for drinking or recreation can't be treated like a sewer."

Mac Seáin thanked Aamor Crofts & Ruth Norton who spoke on behalf of the Save Lough Neagh campaign which is also dealing with a blue green algae threat. He believes lessons can be learned from larger campaigns such as them.