All party debate held on finding a way forward for Lough Neagh

The largest freshwater lough in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and United Kingdom, which supplies Northern Ireland with 40% of its drinking water and 30% of sand for the construction industry, has received limited central government attention in recent years and has no inter departmental co-ordination, regional promotion or navigation authority.

Conor Jordan, Chair of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “It is incredible to think that Lough Neagh is the only commercial Lough in the whole of the UK and Ireland that has sand and fishing boat traffic throughout its length and breadth and yet it doesn’t even have a basic navigation body.

“This is the first time we’ve brought together representatives from all political parties and given them a platform to discuss the way forward for the Lough. It is anticipated that following this Conference we will be able to work with government locally to develop a policy of Lough Neagh.”

Dr William Burke of Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership, said: “This conference was vital in establishing an understanding of work happening on the Lough and the needs to be addressed. It gave government representatives an understanding of the legal obligations and responsibilities of present government Departments on Lough Neagh and provided a platform for political parties to articulate their party policies for the Lough.

“Following this conference we hope that a new interdepartmental structure with a dedicated investment plan will be identified with long term sustainable funding streams and we will also be able to examine new options for management and ownership of Lough.”