To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on his Department’s investigation into the water quality or pollution incidents at Lough Neagh, following the deaths of two dogs.

I was sorry to hear about the recent deaths of two young dogs in Rea’s Wood area of Lough Neagh. Officials in NIEA continue to liaise and work closely with colleagues in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (ANBC) to assist them with their investigation.

NIEA officials have inspected the area for visual signs of water pollution. No blue green algae were found in water samples examined at the Water Management Unit in Lisburn. A water sample was taken for a broad sweep of organic substances and nothing of significance was detected. The substances that were identified are commonly found at low levels in rivers and lakes across NI. The results of all our analyses have been shared with ANBC to assist with their investigation.