In protest at the edge of Lough Neagh
Environmental campaigners have gathered in Co Antrim in a bid to raise further awareness over the condition of Lough Neagh.
Activist group Save Lough Neagh gathered to form a protest in Antrim on Sunday, writing on social media they were “raising their voices” to demand immediate action over the water quality."The Loughshore Stands Up – Antrim,” the group wrote on social media.
“Great turnout today at our protest in Antrim, raising our voices and connecting with other environmental groups demanding immediate action.
“Not a single ounce of pollution in Lough Neagh has been addressed since the algae last year! Same struggle, same fight.”
Environmental groups like Save Lough Neagh have been gathering several times a month in order to raise awareness over the pollution of the lough since last year when extensive blue-green algal (cyanobacteria) growths were detected.
The algae has led to animal deaths and temporary beach closures near the lough.
Last month, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment “is a key priority for the Executive.”
Speaking after meeting with the Lough Neagh Partnership in Toome , the First Minister and deputy First Minister gave an assurance that the Executive is committed "to taking the necessary action to protect and better manage one of our most important natural resources.”
“We are so lucky to have Lough Neagh on our doorstep. It has enormous beauty and so much potential. It provides so much of our drinking water and is vital for the fishing, leisure and tourism industries,” said the First Minister.
“But, we have heard about the issues facing the Lough. We must do everything we can to protect it. I am glad that coordinated efforts are under way to tackle problems, such as the blue green algae, which is understandably a cause of serious concern.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with everyone and to hear their long-term vision for the Lough and how they can contribute to better protecting and managing it in the future.
“Lough Neagh is one of our most important natural resources. It is not only hugely important from an environmental and wildlife perspective, but also in terms of our water supply, for those who use it for recreation and the local economy based on and around the Lough."
While Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir added: “We are united in our determination to provide the leadership needed to address the issues in waterways across Northern Ireland, including Lough Neagh. I have been clear that collective action and investment across government, private and public sector and in the community is needed.”
Kurtis Reid
Today at 21:54
by Diomas