SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has called for the publication of the Executive’s Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan.

He was speaking after reports that the Executive had agreed the action plan at its latest meeting.

Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said:

“I welcome the reports that the Executive has finally agreed the AERA Minister’s Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan. However, the action plan now needs to be published and the details and timeframes made known.

“The measures we are aware of in the draft plan included investment in wastewater treatment works, a review of enforcement measures, and restricting the use of chemical phosphorus fertilisers where soil sampling shows the ground simply does not need it.

“If these steps and the rest of the 17 cross-cutting measures in the draft report have now been agreed then the Executive should be able to tell us. The people who rely on the lough, or use it for recreation, deserve to know what the action plan contains, when it will be implemented and how it will be funded.”