Fears decreasing water levels at lakes are affecting wildlife

Fears decreasing water levels at lakes are affecting wildlife

31 August 2016

A STORMONT minister is to be asked to address the issue of falling water levels at one of Killyleagh’s historic Clea Lakes.

Water levels at the upper lake have plummeted and local politicians are hoping Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard will earmark money to fund a Rivers Agency scheme designed to address the issue which has been put on hold due to cutbacks.

The government department initially agreed to fund the design, construction and maintenance of a scheme to maintain water levels in the upper lake by replacing an ageing sluice gate. When closed, it allows thousands of gallons of water to seep from the top lake into a lower lake.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon and Councillor Billy Walker fear the decreasing water level is impacting on the lake’s ecology and wildlife in the area and is also a concern for landowners and residents.

They are seeking a meeting with Stormont minister Chris Hazzard to ensure the Rivers Agency honours its commitment to maintain and control the water levels in the upper lake and hope the promised work will be carried out.

Mr Shannon explained while the Rivers Agency initially said it had no legal obligation to carry out the work, it recognised it would be for the “greater benefit” of the local population, with control of the water level achieved through the construction of a weir located at a feeder stream outlet that would replace the existing sluice gate. He said over the years the condition of the sluice gate has deteriorated and it needs to be replaced.

“This issue is about managing the levels of the water in both the upper and lower lakes to ensure that landowners have a water supply and flooding does not occur, particularly during a spell of persistent wet weather,” the MP explained.

“We have had a fairly dry summer and the level in the upper lake is around three metres below what it would normally be at its height. The water level does in the summer, but is very low at the moment.’

Mr Shannon says agreement is in place between all the interested parties to improve the water level in the upper lake and hopes Mr Hazzard will be able to earmark the finance to allow work on the proposed Rivers Agency scheme to start. He said it’s vital an important issue which has been ongoing for some time is finally resolved.

“The Rivers Agency said it is not in a position to carry out the work and we need to address this with the Infrastructure Minister. We need to make him aware of the situation and hope that when he sees the work that has been put into this project to date by so many that he will decide it should proceed,” he continued.

“There have been long and protracted meetings on this issue and agreement was reached with the Rivers Agency. It is important to meet with Mr Hazzard as soon as possible and I will be encouraging him to deliver on the agreement there is in writing to implement the Clea Lakes scheme.”

Mr Shannon added: “I do not believe there is any reason why his department should drag its heels on this issue. The quicker we get this scheme up and running the better for everyone concerned to alleviate what has been an outstanding problem for some time. Everyone who has a part to play in this has agreed the scheme needs to be carried out.”

Councillor Walker said the water level at the upper lake “has dropped significantly” and is currently at the lowest he has seen it in many years.

He said the sluice gate which controls the flow of water between the two lakes needs replaced and hopes the Rivers Agency scheme can proceed.

He added: “A number of landowners are concerned about the water levels in the lakes and the issue must be addressed. We also must not forget the impact the low water level has on the ecology of the lake and the wildlife in the area.”

A Department of Infrastructure spokeswoman said the Clea Lakes are not designated under terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 and as such Rivers Agency has no responsibilities in relation to maintenance or management of the water levels of the lakes.

The spokeswoman added: “As there is no property at risk of flooding at  this location, it is unlikely that there would be an economically viable scheme.”