Northern Ireland’s Largest Lake Faces Ecological Crisis – Politicians Urged to Act

Neagh at Ballyronan on 18 August 2025. (Photo: Lough Neagh Partnership)

Lough Neagh Partnership Chair Urges Immediate Action to Protect Northern Ireland’s Largest Freshwater Lake

Gary McErlain, Chair of the Lough Neagh Partnership, has issued an urgent plea for cross-party political action to address what he describes as an “unprecedented ecological crisis” threatening Lough Neagh.

Speaking publicly today, Mr McErlain warned that recent weather conditions have created the perfect environment for blue-green algae blooms, exacerbating the deteriorating health of the Lough.

“It is not news that Lough Neagh is in the midst of an unprecedented ecological crisis but with the weather providing the blue-green algae with the perfect conditions to bloom, this is an emergency that demands urgent and united political leadership,” he said.

Highlighting his four decades of experience, Mr McErlain described the situation as “dire” and emphasised the need for immediate collaboration between all political parties and Minister Edwin Poots regarding the proposed nutrient action plan.

“It is plain to see that the health of the Lough is deteriorating at an alarming rate, threatening not only the delicate balance of its natural ecosystem but also the communities, livelihoods, and cultural heritage that depend upon it,” he said.

Mr McErlain criticised the current fragmented approach, noting that various agencies and departments have often acted in isolation and without sufficient resources or mandates to effect meaningful change.

He urged for “joined-up thinking, decisive action, and a clear solution that places the immediate, short and long-term health of the Lough at its centre.”

The Chair stressed the importance of protecting the Lough not only for environmental reasons but also for the local economy, recreation, fishing, tourism, and water supply.

“This is not a time for division or delay. I have already met a number of politicians on the shores of the Lough but saying the Lough is priority is one thing – now we need to see the words put into action,” Mr McErlain added.

He concluded with a call to collective responsibility:

“The Lough is one of Northern Ireland’s greatest natural assets. It belongs to everyone, and its future depends on a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility. I call on all politicians to unite behind a common purpose, and work with urgency and determination to save Lough Neagh for us and for our future generations.”

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