Laws to protect water quality are not being implemented in Northern Ireland as they should be, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has found.

It said the “serious consequences” are “vividly illustrated” by Lough Neagh, which has been badly affected by blue-green algae.

In its first report to be laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly, the OEP has examined whether plans to improve water bodies will be enough to meet the Water Framework Directive (WFD) NI Regulations.

Based on its assessment, Northern Ireland will miss its own target, which itself is not adequately clear and measurable enough to meet the requirements.