There are growing concerns for public health after it was reported that ‘200,000 tonnes of raw sewage’ is being abandoned in Lough Neagh.
June 5 is the United Nations’ World Environment Day, built to help maintain awareness around the threats to our environment and how we can protect the future of our planet.
Belfast Live spoke to Northern Ireland’s Green Party Deputy Leader, Lesley Veronica where she raised deep concerns about the levels of sewage in Lough Neagh.
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She explained: "With 200,000 tonnes of raw sewage being dumped into Lough Neagh which is the source of 40% of our drinking water this is not only a biodiversity threat but also a public health issue."
The picturesque Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake on the island of Ireland, situated in the middle of Northern Ireland while five different countries touch its shoreline.
This massive body of water is responsible for supplying 40% of our drinking water for approximately 750,000 people in Northern Ireland.
Lesley continued: "Clean water is not a luxury and we need to take urgent action to protect our waterways by making full use of the powers we already have and by establishing an Independent Environmental Protection Agency which has teeth and is willing to use them."
An Independent Environmental Protection Agency helps to hold the government accountable, to ensure the protection and improvements of the environment.
"For too long we have been encouraged to see ourselves as separate to nature and this view has contributed to environmental destruction. We have such beautiful forests, beaches and gardens to enjoy and I think this would be a lovely way to spend world environment day, Lesley says.
"Reflecting on how we should reconsider our personal relationships with nature and rediscover the high importance of this relationship,
"However I think a better idea would be to go and enjoy nature and really reflect on how important the natural environment is for us, not just for our survival as a species but for our mental health and general sense of wellbeing,' she added.
You can find out more about World Environment Day here.
READ MORE:
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Native oyster being brought back from extinction in Co Antrim
NI environment bosses failing own targets at 40% of 'protected' sites
Drinking water in NI not complying with lead, E.coli and pesticide standards
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