2021/2022: £450,000-£454,999

Mr Campbell told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that the swim portion of the triathlon had to be rearranged."We will be running a Duathlon, so there will be a run, bike, run format," he said.

"The event will still go ahead in Castlewellan, but unfortunately none of the athletes will be able to swim in the lake due to the algae."Mr Campbell says the water quality in Castlewellan Lake is "very, very good"."We’ve never had to cancel the swim there before, but unfortunately, this algae seems to be everywhere at the minute."

In a statement, DAERA says the presence of blue green algae was confirmed on 30 August, but added that "any decision made to restrict access or activities on the lake is a matter for the site operator or event organiser".Newry, Mourne and Down District Council put out a social media post advising the public to adhere to the following:

Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, is a collection of microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams.

Under certain conditions, blue-green algae can become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight.In Northern Ireland, a

(SAC), external has increased protection under the Conservation Regulations 1995.The protection is granted if the area contains special habitats or species that are at risk.

It also aims to safeguard biodiversity at both national and international levels.(SPA), external is also designated under the Conservation Regulations 1995.