Lough Neagh partnership wins Gold for strategic response to algal crisis

Michael Meharg, Nicola Bothwell and Eimear Kearney accept the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Awards Gold award on behalf of Lough Neagh Partnership for Best Public Affairs Campaign from Samantha Livingstone and Brittany Breslin of CIPR NI Committee.

Lough Neagh Partnership has been awarded the prestigious Gold award for Best Public Affairs Campaign at the inaugural Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Northern Ireland Awards.

The event, widely regarded as the foremost celebration of excellence in public relations and communications across the region, honoured the Partnership for its strategic handling of one of the most pressing environmental challenges in recent years: the algal crisis on Lough Neagh.

The award recognises the organisation's evidence-based and highly collaborative approach to raising awareness. By driving meaningful political engagement, the campaign successfully elevated the ecological issues facing the Lough onto the agendas of key decision-makers at Stormont, Westminster, and within local government.

A Campaign of "Clarity and Purpose"

According to the citation, Lough Neagh Partnership’s activity stood out to the judges for its "clarity of purpose" and measurable influence on public and political discourse.

Facing a complex environmental emergency, the campaign team developed a comprehensive public affairs strategy. This involved direct engagement with elected representatives to generate widespread political commitment to safeguarding the future of the Lough.

The judges noted that this was a "well-planned, researched and timed campaign with clear objectives and robust measurement and evaluation."

They praised the campaign's use of "human storytelling from a range of stakeholders, supported by emotive, impact-driven imagery," which ensured that key messages were not only received but acted upon.

Commitment to Future Generations

Michael Meharg, Nicola Bothwell and Eimear Kearney are pictured with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Awards Gold award which was awarded to Lough Neagh Partnership for Best Public Affairs Campaign.

Gary McErlain, Chair of Lough Neagh Partnership, welcomed the recognition, viewing it as a validation of the team's relentless work during a difficult period for the region's environment.

"We are incredibly proud to receive the Gold award for our public affairs campaign at the CIPR Northern Ireland Awards," said Mr McErlain.

"This recognition is testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of the partnerships we have built across political, community, and environmental sectors. Our priority has always been to ensure that Lough Neagh receives the attention and action it urgently needs, and this award affirms the significance of that work."

While the award marks a significant achievement in communications and advocacy, the Partnership remains focused on the long road ahead regarding the health of the Lough.

"We are grateful to the CIPR for this honour, and to all those who have engaged with us on this important issue," Mr McErlain continued.

"While receiving this award is a moment to celebrate, Lough Neagh Partnership is very aware that there is still much work to be done to address the immediate, short and long term challenges facing Lough Neagh."

He concluded by reaffirming the organisation's long-term pledge:

"We are committed to protecting and enhancing the Lough for future generations and will continue with our lobbying efforts to ensure that Lough Neagh remains on the news agenda and top of mind for politicians and the public who live near, work on and enjoy the benefits of the biodiversity of Lough Neagh."

For more information on the ongoing work and environmental initiatives of the organisation, visit www.loughneaghpartnership.org.