A car that has languished in the River Lagan for decades is raising alarms among local politicians and environmentalists. Assembly member Robbie Butler has called for its removal, highlighting not just the vehicle but the broader neglect of the river’s ecosystem. He argues that the car’s presence is a symptom of deeper issues affecting local wildlife and leisure opportunities.
The Department for Infrastructure has stated that the car does not pose a significant flood risk, which has led to no plans for its removal. However, Butler and others express concern that this neglect sends a troubling message about the management of local environmental issues. The Green Party has labelled the situation a test for local authorities regarding their accountability for pollution.
Local councillors are increasingly frustrated, noting that the car becomes more visible as water levels drop during warmer months. This visibility brings to light not only the car but also other debris, prompting calls for action. The vice-chair of the local council’s environment committee has called the inaction unacceptable, stressing the need for a coordinated effort to clean up the river.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has indicated that responsibility for the car’s removal may fall to local authorities or landowners, complicating the issue further. As community concern grows, the urgency for a solution becomes more pressing, with residents eager for their river to be restored to its natural beauty.
Source: BBC News
