A public consultation to remediate the Mobuoy site in Londonderry
has been launched by Department of Agriculture, Environment and
Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, .
The draft Remediation Strategy for the Mobuoy site was developed
by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) alongside
specialist contaminated land experts and will focus on the
long-term remediation of the site, in line with an industry
standard process.
The draft strategy's key objectives are protection of River
Faughan water quality, protection of the Northern Ireland Water
drinking water supply and improvement of groundwater quality.
Launching the consultation, Minister said: “Looking to the
future, I want to move forward and make real progress towards the
long-term remediation solution for Mobuoy. I am committed to
protecting the water quality of the River Faughan and to working
in partnership with Northern Ireland Water to safeguard drinking
water in the north-west. That is why since coming into office, I
have moved to launch this consultation as quickly as possible and
help people understand the steps that are needed to minimise
risks to water quality and the environment.
“Safeguarding the quality of the drinking water supply
and protecting the environment remains an absolute priority. I
would also like to reassure the public that NIEA continues to
closely monitor water quality at the Mobuoy site and to date
there has been no adverse impact on the safety of the drinking
water being supplied from the river.”
Minister Muir continued: “This draft Remediation Strategy
has been designed by the NIEA, alongside specialist contaminated
land experts, to ensure that the proposals will meet the complex
needs of the site and allow for a long-term remediation plan that
we can all have trust in. Whilst there are challenges ahead, we
cannot let that deter us. All appropriate steps must be taken to
protect water quality and the environment.
“At this stage, there is no agreed preferred option, and
there will not be until consultation has been completed. I want
everyone who has an interest in the draft Remediation Strategy to
respond to the consultation, which is open for 16 weeks. We need
your views and want to hear from you.”
The strategy outlines a technical proposal which will require
further development, taking into account consultation responses,
affordability and deliverability. There is no agreed preferred
option, nor will there be until the consultation has been
completed. Any implementation plan and timetable for remediation
remains subject to the outcome of the public consultation.
Responses to the consultation will be carefully considered and
then the Department will carefully consider next steps.
The NIEA continues to implement a comprehensive environmental
monitoring programme at the Mobuoy site. Water quality reports
are published regularly, and are freely available, on the DAERA
website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/mobuoy-remediation-project-water-quality-environmental-monitoring-programme.
The public consultation can be accessed on the DAERA website at:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-draft-remediation-strategy-mobuoy-site.
The closing date for responses is 23:59 on Thursday 02 October
2025.
Notes to editors:
-
LCRM guidance published by
the Environment Agency (2004) includes identifying a range of
potential remediation options, selecting the final remediation
options, carrying out the remediation works on site, and follow
on testing to make sure remediation has been effective.
