To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department is working with other agencies to ensure wastewater and drainage systems do not contribute to nutrient build-up, leading to algal blooms affecting the River Bann and north coast beaches.

In July 2024, the DAERA Lough Neagh Report and associated Action Plan was published and endorsed by the Executive, in response to the widespread levels of blue green algae in Lough Neagh. The River Bann flows through Lough Neagh and any consequential impact from blue green algae in Lough Neagh can manifest on the North Coast beaches.

To oversee the delivery of the actions in the Report, DAERA established the Lough Neagh Stakeholder forum in December 2024 and my Department continues to participate in this forum, alongside NI Water.

An action in the Report relates to the upgrade of wastewater treatment works around Lough Neagh and the investment needed to deliver this work has already been identified, as part of the Price Control process and is subject to budget availability.

Nutrient levels are reduced through the wastewater treatment processes. NI Water operates wastewater treatment works in accordance with consent discharge standards, set by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), undertaking an accredited programme of sampling, testing and reporting of wastewater quality to NIEA.

During the bathing water season, NI Water also operates a protocol with DAERA for the immediate investigation of high bacterial levels detected in bathing water, to assist with the management of bathing water quality.

Furthermore, for each Price Control, NI Water works closely with the environmental regulator, NIEA, to agree the priorities for wastewater investment to deliver water quality improvements, which includes consideration of any capital works upgrades to meet nutrient standards.