It occurs as the Stormont Executive attempts to stop an environmental disaster at Lough Neagh, where over the past two summers, toxic blooms of blue-green algae have blanketed the water's surface.

The lough provides 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water, is home to a significant eel-fishing business, and is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the UK and Ireland.

However, according to Gerry Darby, manager of the Lough Neagh Partnership, it is facing a "perfect storm" of a crisis brought on by pollution, fertilisers, climate change, and exotic species.

Although he commended Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir's strategy and actions thus far, he cautioned about broader issues that require an all-encompassing executive response.

Mr. Darby stated in an interview with the PA news agency that the Lough Neagh Action Plan was very constructive and that it was the first time a minister had established a stakeholder group headed by Mr. Muir.

Ten of the measures, he added, have already been put into place, such as hiring water inspectors and seeking innovation from the commercial sector, but it will take decades before any progress is made.