The £450,000 Phase One of the Lough Neagh Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) has been launched.

Announced by Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), this initiative aims to explore potential solutions for treating and reducing Blue-Green Algae blooms while preserving the natural environment of Lough Neagh and the surrounding waterways in Northern Ireland.

The SBRI has two phases and will be expected to follow the standard approach:

• Phase one: Five applicants selected to develop proof of concepts. A total funding package of £450k has been secured via DAERA and the Department for the Economy (DfE) through its SBRI Challenge Fund for Phase one; and

• Phase two: Two to three concepts selected and developed as potential pilot solutions.

Minister Muir said: "I am pleased to announce the launch of Phase one of the Lough Neagh: Blue-Green Algae Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), supported by funding from both my Department and the Department for the Economy.”

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"We all have a responsibility to work collectively to deliver sustainable solutions to address the issues facing Lough Neagh and to return it to its rightful state as an ecological jewel at the heart of Northern Ireland.

"I understand that this SBRI initiative will not fully address the Blue-Green Algae problems, however it will contribute, along with the other actions contained in the Lough Neagh report, to help deliver my vision to have a healthy, resilient environment with high water quality status and environment standards thereby contributing to the health and wellbeing of our citizens.

"Whilst much attention has been devoted to the issues with BGA in Lough Neagh I am equally focussed on water quality issues across Northern Ireland and this work will hopefully provide solutions that can be applied to any area that has been affected by the emergence of BGA."

Economy Minister Conor Murphy stated: "My Department’s SBRI Challenge Fund supports the development of innovative solutions to complex public policy challenges. Lough Neagh is a vital asset for the local community and for the north as a whole so it is welcome that the fund will be used to formulate a solution to the Blue-Green Algae in Lough Neagh."

There is potential for addressing the issue through physical, chemical, biological methods or a combination of these. However, any solution developed must not lead to additional environmental harm and must adhere to relevant legislation and environmental designations.

The application period for Phase One is open for six weeks. Submissions must be received by 3 pm on Friday 13 September.

Phase One is expected to continue until March 2025, with a possible call for Phase Two applications starting in the summer of 2025.