Northern Ireland Considers Water Rates to Tackle Wastewater and Environmental Crisis

Stormont faces tough decisions on funding solutions for Lough Neagh's pollution and infrastructure challenges.

Lough Neagh, the UK's largest freshwater lake, faces severe pollution from nutrients, wastewater, and invasive species, creating a long-term environmental crisis.
Blue-green algae blooms have plagued the lake for two summers, threatening drinking water supplies, wildlife, and local industries such as eel fishing.
Addressing the crisis requires decades of efforts, including nutrient reduction, improved wastewater systems, and climate change mitigation strategies.
The Stormont Executive is considering three funding options: increased Westminster support, reallocating local budgets, or introducing domestic water rates, which remain politically contentious.
Current funding for Northern Ireland Water's capital investment has been halved, leaving wastewater infrastructure described as 'at breaking point.'