AQW 7077/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department plans to review the impact on (i) aquatic life; and (ii) the natural environment caused by sand dredging at Lough Neagh.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 21 February 2024

Answered
Written
After due date

Tabled: 21 February 2024
Answer due by: 7 March 2024
Answered: 14 March 202422 days after tabling
Department: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Priority question: No

Answer

A study was previously commissioned by NIEA in 2016 on the implications of sand extraction on the Lough Neagh and Lough Beg SPA and Ramsar, found that although there was potential for localised effects of dredging on aquatic plants and animals.

I intend to meet officials in the time ahead to discuss the findings within this report.

Official sources