Doubt over triathlon

Doubt over triathlon

14 May 2025

FEARS are growing that this year’s Mourne Sprint Triathlon will again be cancelled due to concerns over the water quality at the lake in Castlewellan Forest Park.

Blue-green algae has appeared on the water with event organisers concerned it poses a safety hazard for swimmers.

Race director Chris Campbell said entries for the August event have been postponed, with organisers examining potential alternative venues.

Last year’s race had to be adapted at the last minute to a run-bike-run duathlon due to similar health concerns over water quality.

Mr Campbell said “significant” blue-green algal blooms had appeared on the lake over the past few weeks and it seemed unlikely the water quality would be up to standard by race day on August 30.

“I’m not confident it will go ahead at all this year,” he said. “We would need a lot of rain to clear it.”

Newry Mourne and Down Council said it was continuing to monitor the lake and is advising people not to enter the water, eat fish from it and to keep animals away.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said that while no reports of blue-green algae at the lake have been received by the Environment Agency, it would urge people to report any incidents via the Bloomin’ Algae app or the emergency pollution hotline.

“Any decision made to restrict access or activities on the lake is a matter for the site operator or event organiser,” it said in a statement.

Event organisers Olympian Triathlon Belfast said it would re-examine the situation on June 1 and make a final decision on whether to let the race go ahead or to call it off.

Mr Campbell said it was very disappointing that the organisers seemed to be in the same position for a second year running. 

Olympian Triathlon Belfast said the blue-green algae appeared to be worse in recent weeks than it was in 2024.

“With warm weather and sunshine forecast, it’s likely more and more algae will bloom,” Mr Campbell said.

“Many people ignore the council’s notice and continue to paddle-board and fish in the lake. But as event organisers we can’t take that risk. We can’t have 400 swimmers and 200 of them getting sick.”

South Down MP Chris Hazard who visited the lake yesterday morning, said there were growing concerns about the presence of the algae.

“The health risks posed by blue-green algae are well-documented, posing dangers not only to swimmers but also to local wildlife and park users,” he said.

“The recurrence of this problem reflects a broader environmental issue that requires urgent attention, not just in Castlewellan, but right across the North.”

Mr Hazard said he had contacted the council to discuss immediate measures to protect public health.

In addition, Mr Hazzard said he has also written to DAERA Minister Andrew Muir seeking clarity on what steps his department and its agencies are taking to tackle this recurring issue.

The MP added: ““It’s crucial that the impact on the local community and tourism is mitigated.

“In the longer term, we need to see joined up action and investment in water quality management to prevent such occurrences in future.