Raw sewage posters at lough not official, says minister

Posters warning the public not to enter Belfast Lough due to "raw sewage" contamination have appeared along the County Antrim coast, but the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has confirmed they are not official and described them as misleading. The signs, which urge people to keep pets and children away from the water and beaches, were placed between Whiteabbey and Whitehead. Andrew Muir, the Daera minister, stated he was unaware of who put up the posters and emphasized the need for accurate public information. Daera became aware of the posters on Monday and promptly informed NI Water, which also denied any involvement in producing the signs. Muir highlighted the importance of addressing water pollution through stronger regulation and enforcement, noting that new legislation is being introduced to increase fines and penalties for water pollution offenses. He acknowledged ongoing concerns about raw sewage entering Belfast Lough but stressed that the lough remains a valued natural resource with designated bathing waters, such as those at Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay. The minister reiterated that while water quality issues exist, it is crucial that public warnings are based on verified information to avoid unnecessary alarm. He affirmed his commitment to holding polluters accountable and improving water quality in the area. The incident underscores broader challenges in managing environmental pollution and public communication around water safety in Northern Ireland.