Lough Neagh Partnership launches ‘Connected Landscapes’ roadshow to address water quality crisis

The Lough Neagh Partnership has announced a series of public information evenings titled Connected Landscapes: How Your Local River Impacts Lough Neagh, aimed at raising awareness about the critical link between Northern Ireland’s rivers and the health of Lough Neagh, the UK and Ireland’s largest freshwater lake.

This initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Environment Fund managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), will take place across five locations in Northern Ireland over the coming weeks, including Broughshane, Ballymena, starting on 21 May 2025.

Lough Neagh, spanning 392 square kilometres, is a vital ecological and economic resource, supplying 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and supporting industries across a catchment area that covers 40% of the region, as well as parts of counties Monaghan and Cavan.

However, the lake faced a severe ecological crisis in the summer of 2023, when a major blue-green algae bloom highlighted the urgent need for improved water quality management.

The Connected Landscapes roadshow will explore the factors contributing to such environmental challenges, including intensive farming practices, industrial activities, poor wastewater treatment, and inadequate septic tank maintenance.

The events will also showcase ongoing efforts to enhance water quality in the Lough’s feeder rivers and provide practical advice for local residents, farmers, and stakeholders to contribute to sustainable solutions.

Gerry Darby, Manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, emphasised the importance of community engagement in tackling these issues:

“Lough Neagh is of great significance to everyone. Everything that happens in the wider catchment has an impact on the Lough and, at Lough Neagh Partnership, we believe we need to bring this conversation right into the heart of local communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

Darby highlighted the shared responsibility for protecting the lake:

“It is crucial that residents, landowners and local stakeholders understand that intensive farming, industry and poor wastewater treatment are currently contributing to poor water quality on the Lough.”

He urged a diverse audience to participate, adding, “Water quality and environmental issues in Lough Neagh and its feeder rivers impact on all of us, and we want to hear from everyone who has a stake in this landscape as we consider how we can work together to bring about positive change and protect the Lough for future generations.

“So whether you’re a farmer, a fisherman, a walker, local resident or an individual with an interest in the Lough, we want you to attend one of our information evenings.”

Event Schedule and Locations

The free-to-attend roadshow is open to all and will be held at the following venues:

•  COOKSTOWN: Wednesday, 21 May 2025, 7:00pm

Ballinderry Rivers Trust

231 Orritor Road, Cookstown, BT80 9NB

•  BALLYNURE: Thursday, 22 May 2025, 7:00pm

Ballynure Presbyterian Church Hall

Main Street, Ballynure, BT39 9TU

•  MAGHERAFELT: Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 7:00pm

Workspace, The Business Centre

5 Tobermore Road, Draperstown, Magherafelt, BT45 7AG

•  HILLTOWN: Thursday, 29 May 2025, 6:00pm

Hilltown Community Centre

Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, BT34 5TU

•  BALLYMENA: Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 7:00pm

Broughshane Community Centre

21 Knockan Road, Broughshane, BT42 4JY

These events are part of a broader public engagement programme by the Lough Neagh Partnership, designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among communities, landowners, and environmental stakeholders.

Why It Matters

Lough Neagh’s ecological health is intricately tied to the rivers that feed it, and the 2023 blue-green algae bloom served as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting water quality.

The algae outbreak not only threatened the lake’s biodiversity but also raised concerns about the safety of its water for drinking and recreational use. The roadshow aims to demystify the causes of such blooms, which are often linked to nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, untreated wastewater, and litter.

By attending, participants will gain insights into how everyday actions—such as proper septic tank maintenance, responsible waste disposal, and sustainable farming practices—can make a tangible difference.

The Lough Neagh Partnership will also highlight local initiatives already underway to restore the health of the catchment’s rivers, offering a hopeful vision for the lake’s future.

A Call to Action

The Connected Landscapes roadshow represents a critical step towards safeguarding Lough Neagh for future generations. With its vast ecological and economic importance, the lake’s health is a shared responsibility that requires collective action.

Whether you’re a farmer seeking sustainable practices, a resident concerned about water quality, or simply someone who cherishes Northern Ireland’s natural heritage, these information evenings offer an opportunity to learn, share ideas, and contribute to meaningful change.

For more information about the Connected Landscapes: How Your Local River Impacts Lough Neagh roadshow, contact the Lough Neagh Partnership or visit their official website. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and help protect one of the UK’s most vital natural resources.