To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any action being taken to confirm (i) that water in the Ballykelly River is safe for public use; and (ii) that local wildlife is protected, following the recent chemical pollution incident.

(i) My department currently has no concerns with drinking water quality of either public supplies through Northern Ireland Water Ltd or private supplies, following this recent incident.

(ii) The Ballykelly River is not in itself a protected area; however, does flow into the Lough Foyle Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)/Special Protection Area. Following the pollution incident, my officials, at low tide, visited the Lough Foyle ASSI mudflats, where the Ballykelly River discharges into the sea. No concerns for wildlife, birds or ASSI protected features were noted.