To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 583/22-27, whether the Northern Ireland Environment Agency tested only the water for pollution or whether adjacent land was also tested for contaminants.

In order to assist Antrim and Newtownabbey Council with their enquiry following the dogs’ deaths, water samples were taken to investigate the possible presence of harmful algae and a broad sweep of organic substances. As the focus of the investigation concentrated on the water environment, no samples were taken on the adjacent land which would be considered outside of the remit of NIEA Water Management Unit.