Lough Neagh is facing ongoing filthy pollution from farm and human waste. It’s causing toxic algae to bloom, killing animals like birds, fish and even dogs.
Larger than Malta, Lough Neagh is a vital ecosystem and provides almost half of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Yet, the lake has faced environmental abuse for decades – how can this be?
Lord Shaftesbury owns the lough bed, despite community calls to bring it back into public ownership. He’s failed in basic stewardship and so have government and cross-border bodies. That's why we're calling for a 5-point recovery plan for Lough Neagh.
We need your help to show Northern Ireland leaders that we demand better for Lough Neagh and all our waterways. Sign the petition in solidarity with those impacted now.
- Lough Neagh needs an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
- Lough Neagh needs to be acquired by the government from the Earl of Shaftesbury, with community ownership and rights of nature enshrined.
- Lough Neagh needs a Citizen’s Assembly.
- Lough Neagh needs a breathing space – no more factory farms, a moratorium on sand dredging and investment in sewage infrastructure.
- Lough Neagh needs transparency - every group with an interest in Lough Neagh must declare that interest and every conflict of interest must be on the table.
- Lough Neagh needs an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
- Lough Neagh needs to be acquired by the government from the Earl of Shaftesbury, with community ownership and rights of nature enshrined.
- Lough Neagh needs a Citizen’s Assembly.
- Lough Neagh needs a breathing space – no more factory farms, a moratorium on sand dredging and investment in sewage infrastructure.
- Lough Neagh needs transparency - every group with an interest in Lough Neagh must declare that interest and every conflict of interest must be on the table.