'The difference even in 24 hours was remarkable'
With rising proof Lough Neagh is facing yet another ecological catastrophe this summer, we took to the skies to see just how bad the situation is. In a microlight plane, expertly piloted by Ruth Devlin from Kernan Aviation in Tandragee, we soared up and down the west coast of the increasingly pea-green lough to capture footage from above.
Ruth told us her swimming group, the Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers, are also now avoiding their once free dips in Lough Neagh as a result. She said: "We have a great facility right there on our doorstep which is free and we should be able to use it. "It is such a shame. The lough is free and everybody should be able to enjoy it whether you are dunking... out in a boat or jetski. It can smell sometimes as well as it's horrible looking. People should be able to come to the lough and it should be free from that kind of rubbish. It's such a shame if we can't use it now.
"It's not just people who use the lough, there are birds, fish in the water, there are people who like to bring their dogs to swim and all of that is going to be affected." The department's plan to deal with the issue was not approved by the Executive before summer recess, with the DUP holding it back. Both have been contacted for comment.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lough Neagh algae from the airWe took a flight over Lough Neagh to see how far toxic algae has spread
Read more »
Lough Neagh blue-green algae spreadPictures of blue-green algae on Lough Neagh taken by Ruth Devlin from the air
Read more »
Lough Neagh 'rotten' with algae as politicians accused of holding 'talking shop''I am ashamed to be from Northern Ireland because we were the laughing stock of the world last year'
Read more »
Lough Neagh blue-green algae 'back with a vengeance'The Earl of Shaftesbury, who owns the bed and soil of the lough, is to meet stakeholders on Wednesday.
Read more »
Lough Neagh blue-green algae spread now visible from the skyThe police helicopter captured an image showing how algae has spread across Lough Neagh but the executive is yet to agree actions to tackle it
Read more »
Andrew Muir to request use of 'urgent procedure' to approve Lough Neagh planHe says 'time is not on our side' and he is 'very disappointed it looks unlikely there will be an Executive meeting this Thursday'
Read more »