SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has said there are serious concerns over the Minister’s ability to deliver the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
He was speaking ahead of an SDLP Opposition Day motion on Tuesday highlighting the lack of River Basement Management Plan.
Mr Durkan questioned how the Environment Minister could deliver progress on Lough Neagh without fulfilling basic requirements on water quality across the North.
Said the Foyle MLA: “There is great frustration around the Executive and DAERA Minister’s failure to get to grips with the ecological disaster we have witnessed at Lough Neagh over the past two summers.
“Since the return of the Stormont institutions the SDLP has repeatedly pressed for clarity around how we are going to address the problems at the lough and safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.
“Our Opposition Day motion highlights the department’s long-standing failure to address issues around water quality in general.
“Despite algae blooms springing up everywhere, the department is still in breach of its basic duty to deliver a River Basement Management Plan, which is three years overdue.
“While I understand the Minister’s desire to address Lough Neagh given its prominence, the plan he has brought forward lacks clear interventions or timelines and at the current rate of progress we will be back in the same situation next year.
“The failure to effectively address the issues at Lough Neagh, while ignoring existing obligations to water quality in general sums up this Executive’s approach.
“They are too fond of photo opportunities and allergic to accountability.
“I accept that the Executive face significant challenges, but excuses around funding and austerity can only carry you so far.
“If we are going to protect our water quality, reverse the harm that’s being caused to our environment and meet basic legal targets then we need to start with a proper River Basement Management Plan that can underpin much of the work the Minister needs to take forward in the coming years.”
