Ulster Unionist Environment spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, has challenged recent comments made by Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O’Neill on Lough Neagh.

“It was incredulous that the Sinn Fein MLA has made such strong calls regarding the need to address the worsening situation at Lough Neagh.

“Has she forgotten that she was the DARD Minister who, in 2012, commissioned a report that looked into the need for better coordination and a joined-up delivery to address the challenges facing the lough at that time?

“Instead of producing direction that could have prevented much of what we face today, she, along with party colleagues, pushed for public ownership of Lough Neagh, something I see her calling for again, 11 years on.

“As my party highlighted at that time, public ownership was not, and still is not, the answer. I use Lough Erne as a key example of a lough in public ownership that cannot bring stakeholders together effectively to address issues.

“Had Mrs. O’Neill have taken stronger ownership and shown leadership of the matter, as was requested, during her tenure as DARD Minister, it is likely that Lough Neagh would be in a much better condition than it is today.”