Suppliers identified to find possible solutions to Blue Green Algae
Date published:
Executive Ministers have met with the five suppliers tasked with finding solutions to treat and reduce Blue-Green Algae in Lough Neagh, delivering on commitments within the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minster Andrew Muir, met those awarded the contracts as part of Phase 1 of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), today in Parliament Buildings.
Speaking following the meeting with the five successful suppliers, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Protecting Lough Neagh is a priority for the Executive and it is important that we work together to find solutions.
“The Lough is vital for our environment, fishing, water supply, tourism and the local community. It is a huge asset and has so much untapped potential.
“I look forward to seeing progress towards protecting this area of outstanding natural beauty and preserving it for future generations.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Lough Neagh is one of our most important natural resources which is why protecting it is one of the commitments in our draft Programme for Government.
“The significant blue-green algae blooms we have all seen are of grave concern and I welcome the opportunity to meet with those now tasked with finding solutions to this problem.
“The health of Lough Neagh is of vital importance now and into the future and the awarding of these contracts reflects our continued commitment to taking the necessary action to improve it.”
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am pleased to welcome the five successful suppliers for Phase one of the SBRI, which I launched in August. This SBRI is part of my 37-point Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan, approved by the Executive in the summer, and I am determined to deliver on the commitments contained within it. Many actions are already underway.
“This first phase of the initiative has been developed to explore solutions to treat and reduce Blue-Green Algae blooms without impacting the natural environment of Lough Neagh, and can hopefully be applied to any area that has been affected by the bacteria.
“However, we must remember, this alone will not solve the Blue Green Algae crisis. There is a significant amount of work to do to restore the lough and enhance water quality throughout Northern Ireland which will take both time and resources.”
The five successful suppliers awarded contracts are:
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Wholeshool Software Ltd & Biild
- Varicon Aqua Solutions Limited
- Clear Water Systems Ltd.
- Helix 8
The SBRI is supported by funding from DAERA (£200,000) and the Department for the Economy (£250,000).
It is anticipated that Phase one will run through to March 2025 with a potential call for a phase two applications commencing summer 2025.
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- The competition process is being managed on behalf of DAERA by SBRI, part of the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) and DAERA is the contracting body in this procurement.
- At the end of Phase 1, all, or a subset only of the suppliers in Phase 1 may be selected to proceed to later phases, based on agreed objective selection criteria and budget availability.
- At the conclusion of the SBRI contract, or at any other time, the contracting authority may decide to procure the solution(s) developed or similar solution(s) from other providers - but there is no obligation to do so. If a solution is to be procured, this will constitute a separate competition under normal public procurement rules and other potential suppliers on the open market will be free to compete for the business.
- This SBRI is one of 37 actions in the Lough Neagh Report and Action Plan approved by the Northern Ireland Executive on 18 July 2024 to address the specific water quality crisis experienced in Lough Neagh and other water bodies throughout Northern Ireland.
- ‘Protecting Lough Neagh and the Environment’ is one of the key priorities in the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’ currently being consulted on. The public consultation on ‘Our Plan’ runs until 04 November 2024.
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