To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on any action taken by his Department to improve water quality.

Mr Muir

I am pleased to report that the implementation of the Lough Neagh report and action plan and the environmental improvement plan has been progressing since I received Executive approval for them last year. Those reports contain a comprehensive range of actions to secure longer-term improvements in water quality across Northern Ireland and tackle blue-green algae blooms. Actions being taken forward include a review of the nutrients action programme, as well as small business research initiatives on the sustainable utilisation of livestock slurry: that is the key initiative for the future of Lough Neagh. Grant support for the water quality improvement projects has been provided to community groups through the environment fund. A recent review of the third cycle river basin management plan for 2021-27 has been completed, and, subject to Executive approval, I hope to publish the plan in the near future. My Department continues to deliver the soil nutrient health scheme, which provides farmers with soil analysis and training to improve nutrient management and water quality. In addition, the sustainable catchment programme continues to provide advisory farm visits and capital grant support to carry out works on water quality. I am committed to working in partnership across government, the public and private sectors and wider society to improve water quality in Northern Ireland but would stress that there are no quick fixes and that collective action is essential.

Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)

I call Danny Donnelly for a very quick supplementary question.

Mr Muir

I am working to fulfil my Department's statutory obligations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. That will include the publication of the outstanding 2019 and 2023 reviews of sensitive areas and, subject to Executive approval, the identification of the inner Belfast lough shellfish water protected area as a sensitive area. The proposed sensitive area designation will mean additional requirements in respect of the treatment of waste water discharges to the shellfish water protected area. DAERA officials are liaising with their counterparts in the Department for Infrastructure to discuss the implications of that identification for DFI and Northern Ireland Water. I am acutely aware of the need to progress that. I am also on the record about my position on SORPI. I am minded to withdraw from SORPI, and I have agreed an eight-week period of engagement with the Department for Infrastructure and Northern Ireland Water to inform my final decision on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's withdrawal from SORPI and the next steps. I expect that engagement to be initiated by my Department shortly.

Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)

That ends the period for listed questions. We will now move on to 15 minutes of topical questions.