INTERNAL incident reports obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) have given an insight into how blue-green algae reports are investigated locally. 

This newspaper has obtained over 20 individual reports from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), which reveal the action that has been taken regarding reports of blue-green algae in Fermanagh over the past year.

Internal emails also reveal that the Department was notified about the potentially toxic substance from outside organisations including the Share Centre and National Trust. 

On September 15 of last year, the Department was made aware of concerns from Swim Ulster regarding blue-green algae at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea, ahead of their 'Big Ulster Swim' event later that month, which saw 120 swimmers visiting Fermanagh. 

An NIEA official said: "I took a call just now from the Share Centre, Lisnaskea. He is wanting to speak to someone to obtain advice regarding water quality. There is a group coming to the centre on Saturday, 30th September from Swim Ulster for the Big Ulster Swim."

Another email was then sent three days later on September 18, sounding the same concerns. 

"Just had another call. No pollution reported but has concerned about blue-green algae and other issues. 

"He wants someone to test the water, not just advice, ahead of the group coming."

It was them proposed that an algal sample should be collected on September 27 and a visual inspection on September 29. 

An algae sample was collected, with a laboratory in Lisburn, confirming "there was no b/g algae present in the sample."

Following this confirmation, the event went ahead as planned. 

Another internal incident report, and a subsequent email discussion, show a Council official asking if a press release should be issued regarding confirmed blue-green algae at Lusty Beg Island last year. 

"Following a report of potential toxic blue/green algal bloom this morning at Lusty Beg Resort Island, I called to the area," an inspector recorded. 

"There did appear to be a green algal bloom in the area, particularly on the Boa Island side of the island and on the slip/shore area on the Boa Island Side."

A follow-up email from the Council's Lead Environmental Health Officer confirmed that blue-green algae has been detected, which then prompted an email from the Council's Principal Officer, who asked: "Are you planning to issue a press release on this one?".

Documents also detail how an internal incident report was compiled following the death of two dogs on Lough Erne from suspected algae poisoning. 

This document was marked "Official Sensitive".

On May 7 of this year, an inspector reported: "The complainant was walking her dogs at Rossigh Bay on Sunday May 5th. One of her dogs became ill on Sunday night and died on Monday 6th May. 

"The vet was unsure of the cause of death. An algal sample was collected and it was confirmed that there was the presence of PBGA in small concentrations."

The inspector added that the owner had been contacted, and the Council had been contacted to arrange for signs to be erected. 

Meanwhile, another report shows how on  April 19 of this year, the Department was called to a report at Mill Lough, Bellanaleck. 

There, an inspector pointed out possible slurry pollution. 

The inspector reported: "Some small clusters visible in the water column. This lake is normally clear at this time of year. 

"Had been a recent complaint about slurry in the lake, spotted by an angler on 31/3/24. Checked area at that time and no source of pollution found. 

"Area checked again and looks ok."

In regard to algae, the inspector noted: "Samples collected on April 24th and sent to FMA for assessment. Initial checks did not indicate any concerns. Further checks carried out after settlement indicated presence of potentially harmful toxic B/G algae Oscillatoria/Planktothrix."

Meanwhile, email exchanges reveal that some algae in Fermanagh is was so obvious that confirmation was made via photographs. 

Notes regarding a report on July 25 of this year said: "Report of PBGA at Race Course Lough Enniskillen. Lisburn confirmed a positive presence of PBGA from the photograph."

Detection of algae saw signage erected at Muckross Bay on August 11, documents have revealed.  

"Muckross Bay was checked, there was a presence of potentially blue green algae at the location," an inspector recorded. 

"FODC EH (Environmental Health) was contacted and signage erected."

Another incident report shows recurring issues at Tully Castle on Lower Lough Erne. 

"On a follow up from a previous bloom, which had since disappeared," an incident report said.  

"I was re-checking the foreshore on August 15 and saw that the bloom has re-appeared. 

"I let the signage remain in situ as the bloom had returned."

Algae was also detected at Crevenish Castle Park, according to the Department. 

"Reported by member of the public via Bloomin Algae App," recorded an inspector. "Photos confirmed by FMA team. I checked area of Crevinish Castle Caravan Park shoreline. Algae present and thick at slipway. Mentioned to grounds staff on site."

Another incident report revealed the details surrounding a report of blue-green algae at another tourist destination, Crom Castle, on July 17 of this year. 

This report was made by a member of the National Trust ranger team. 

"Report of bloom of PTGBA bloom at Nalughoge Lough, Crom Estate," said an inspector. 

"Photo verified by FMA. Ops room to notify FODC and National Trust."

Documents also show the rationale used to erected blue-green algae warning signs in Fermanagh. 

 26 July, 2023, the Council received an email from a Water Quality Inspector at Castle Archdale Country Park requesting that signage is erected. 

"Further to our telephone chat yesterday, NIEA FMA team have identified potentially toxic blue green algae at the Tully Castle Shoreline on Lower Lough Erne in the locations previously specified. 

"It would be great if the appropriate signage could be put in place and we will continue to monitor until the bloom is gone."