Pádraig Hoare: Lough Neagh a cautionary tale on how we manage our waters

The pictures of blue-green algae on Lough Neagh shocked many, but the Republic could be sleepwalking into a similar catastrophe with  its lakes and rivers.

Algae on the surface of Lough Neagh at Ballyronan Marina. Environmental campaigners claim toxic algae is killing the region's largest freshwater lake.

It’s a case of seeing is believing when it comes to the shocking state of Ireland’s biggest lake, but it may surprise people to know that half of the rivers and lakes in the rest of the country are flirting with disaster.

The grim sight of Lough Neagh in the heart of Northern Ireland has focused the minds of many as they grapple with how to reverse the oozing bright blue-green algae on the surface.