Political representatives have expressed their frustration and are calling for urgent action after the discovery of blue-green algae at Camlough Lake has led to restrictions having been imposed.
Sinn Fein MP Dáire Hughes said steps need to be taken to prevent a reoccurrence, as this had not been the first time an outbreak had been confirmed at Camlough.
Meanwhile, a public meeting is due to take place this week, which is being organised by People Against Profit.
The local MP said the erection of warning signs had “frustrated the local community”.
“Camlough Lake is a hugely popular recreational site for people across South Armagh and further afield,” said the Newry and Armagh representative. “The reoccurrence and timing of this bloom is incredibly frustrating as people’s ability to enjoy the lake over the summer will, again, be disrupted.
“Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials have confirmed to me that they are now carrying out regular visual monitoring of the site and will be testing the water for toxins. The Inter-Agency Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Protocol states that restrictions on the use of the water can only be lifted after four consecutive weeks of observing no blooms and when water samples comply with public health guidance.
“This means, regrettably, that the use of Camlough Lake will be restricted for at least four weeks.
“We have engaged with both the Council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on this issue. It’s essential that action is taken to make sure everything possible is done to avoid a repetition of this bloom. I have also requested regular updates on the situation.
“The wider Camlough community and our local Sinn Féin team has worked tirelessly for years to promote and enhance Camlough Lake. An investment of £4.6 million has been secured to develop a Recreational Hub on the site and the council are currently seeking contractors to deliver this exciting and much-needed project.
“The Department and the Council must now work quickly to determine what factors contributed to this outbreak and put preventative measures in place to ensure Camlough Lake remains accessible as a primary recreational site in South Armagh.”
People Before Profit, meanwhile, are assembling a public meeting to discuss the issue this Wednesday, July 22, and it will take place at the green beside the lake at 7pm.
Newry & Armagh representative Marc Mac Seáin said: “There’s been a good deal of dismay from people in Camlough and beyond that toxins have been found again at the lake, which is still being visited by hundreds of people each day even with the warning signs up. People are confused about what could be causing the toxins, where and when they are active, what effects could happen from potential exposure. We don’t think enough information is being given out and want to facilitate a community discussion to address it.
“This isn’t the first occurrence of toxins at Camlough Lake within recent years. Last year E.coli was detected, and blue-green algae recorded a couple years before that. Speaking to local swimmers we’ve been told at times a bad odour has been noticed at the lake which would raise a question if occurrences are worse than we realise.
“Yet these pollutants are man-made, these phenomenon aren’t natural and could be prevented with investigation of the causes and action taken by DAERA, councils, Stormont. Runaway pollution is wrecking waterways all over the North and this must be addressed. We can’t continue on with the water we drink from, swim in containing toxins.
“A council worker told us 1,000 people would have been at the lake on the same day the pollution was detected. Even more will be visiting when the £4.6m water sports facility is built. We need to root out the pollution crises we can see effecting Camlough Lake and beyond.”
