Lough Neagh pollution resurfaces as new factory farm looms

A user of the Bloomin’ Algae app has reported the year’s first sighting of blue-green algae at Lough Neagh, a reminder that the pollution crisis on the water body is not yet averted. The app is used for:

…reporting the presence of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. The app helps speed up public health warnings about harmful algal blooms and can help teach you how to recognise the risks to you, children and animals.

It lists the dangers of the substance as:

…skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints.

It further states:

Blue-green algae have caused the deaths of dogs, horses, cattle, birds and fish across the UK.

You can see the user’s image below:

The photo shows growth that might not look like much at the moment. However, once it expands, the vast coating of green sludge can appear like something from a horror film, choking marine life around it.

The lough, which is the largest freshwater body in Europe, has been devastated by the toxic algae in recent years. Polluting agro-business has been a key contributor following huge expansion since 2010. This includes a 72% increase in pig and poultry production in the decade that followed that year.

Lough Neagh — Plans for vast new factory farm

Politicians had for years been relaxed about the resulting vast torrent of shit these factory farms pump into local rivers and lakes. This has ultimately ended up in the lough, with the subsequent wreckage done to an area of considerable beauty which is home to a large variety of wildlife.

The spotting of the algae comes as architects have submitted to Mid Ulster District Council proposals for a vast new mass murder facility near the lough. The proposal calls for a torture and death camp that will house 49,000 chickens in likely atrocious conditions.

People Before Profit (PBP) have launched a campaign aimed at blocking the abomination. They say:

Lough Neagh is already in a state of crisis, poisoned by effluent from existing factory farms which have been proven time and time again to bring pollution and other ecological harm.

Another major factory farm with capacity for nearly 50,000 chickens is now being planned beside the Lough. Out of around 25,000 active farms in the north, this new development would be in the top 1% of largest farms.

A giant factory farm like this, holding 49,000 chickens (9,000 over the factory farm threshold) would likely bring stink, pain and pollution to the shores of Lough Neagh.

They go on to quote a resident near another planned factory farm, who said:

This isn’t an extension or someone looking to build a garage, this is a major industrial complex on my back door.

Council also approved expansion of genocidal warplane production

PBP conclude by citing another recent planning scandal in the area, the go-ahead to expand manufacture of F-35 warplanes:

In 2025, Mid Ulster Council approved an extension to Moyola PE, manufacturer of F-35 parts, the same planes bombing Iran and Palestine. Those in charge in Stormont and local councils must take responsibility for the harm that happens on our doorstep due to their decision-making.

The council appear to like the idea of having on their doorstep facilities that enable mass death and destruction. Any supposed economic benefits of such factories do not justify the harms done to animals, the environment and people both here and in West Asia.

The Irish Times reports that:

…the developer, a local farmer, has included in the plans promises litter from the birds wilvvvl be collected and then delivered to Moy Park’s anaerobic digester plants and used to produce energy.

It’s common for plans to be watered down in favour of developers as construction on large projects proceeds, so local residents would be wise to take little notice of this. It also fails to address concerns over animal welfare and the stench such vile facilities produce.

People Before Profit have launched a petition and email campaign for those opposed to the plans. Given Lough Neagh is one of Ireland’s most cherished natural features, it is in everyone’s interest that this literal shitshow is shut down before it begins.

Featured image via Rics