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15/02/2024
SDLP Calls For Urgent Investment To Protect Lough Neagh
The SDLP has called for urgent investment to protect Lough Neagh, highlighting the significant work needed to put the lough on a sustainable footing.
Welcoming an Assembly debate on the Lough Neagh Rescue Plan, Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone, said: "It's welcome that the perilous state of Lough Neagh has finally been addressed in the Assembly, following an SDLP recall motion earlier this year. The crisis at the lough, one of our most precious natural resources, caused outcry and while I appreciate the work that has been undertaken to stabilise things, there can be no doubt that the response was harmed by the absence of devolution.
"While I acknowledge that we will not fix the problems at the lough overnight, we don't have any time to lose when it comes to putting a strategy in place that safeguards its future. The lough provides around 50% of our drinking water, is home to many plants and animals and without proper action we face an environmental disaster on a massive scale. There are also a number of businesses associated with the lough that have been impacted by the recent issues.
"The task force set up by DAERA has made over 100 recommendations including increasing enforcement in the vicinity of the lough and significant investment in NI Water to upgrade treatment works. I have asked the Minister to outline what progress has been made.
"The SDLP believes that one of they key measures to deliver sustainability at Lough Neagh will be taking it into public or community ownership. It's regrettable that previous Ministers missed the opportunity to take this important step that could have avoided the situation we are dealing with today. If the Executive are serious about protecting the lough then they must make sure that proper oversight, accountability and funding are in place to respond to this ecological crisis."
Welcoming an Assembly debate on the Lough Neagh Rescue Plan, Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone, said: "It's welcome that the perilous state of Lough Neagh has finally been addressed in the Assembly, following an SDLP recall motion earlier this year. The crisis at the lough, one of our most precious natural resources, caused outcry and while I appreciate the work that has been undertaken to stabilise things, there can be no doubt that the response was harmed by the absence of devolution.
"While I acknowledge that we will not fix the problems at the lough overnight, we don't have any time to lose when it comes to putting a strategy in place that safeguards its future. The lough provides around 50% of our drinking water, is home to many plants and animals and without proper action we face an environmental disaster on a massive scale. There are also a number of businesses associated with the lough that have been impacted by the recent issues.
"The task force set up by DAERA has made over 100 recommendations including increasing enforcement in the vicinity of the lough and significant investment in NI Water to upgrade treatment works. I have asked the Minister to outline what progress has been made.
"The SDLP believes that one of they key measures to deliver sustainability at Lough Neagh will be taking it into public or community ownership. It's regrettable that previous Ministers missed the opportunity to take this important step that could have avoided the situation we are dealing with today. If the Executive are serious about protecting the lough then they must make sure that proper oversight, accountability and funding are in place to respond to this ecological crisis."
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02 March 2007
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
04 December 2003
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
09 February 2024
'Investment, Commitment And Partnership' Needed For Lough Neagh
Addressing the issues at Lough Neagh will take "investment, commitment and partnership working over decades", Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has said.
'Investment, Commitment And Partnership' Needed For Lough Neagh
Addressing the issues at Lough Neagh will take "investment, commitment and partnership working over decades", Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has said.
06 June 2014
Report Finds No Benefit To Stormont Buying Lough Neagh
A working group exploring the idea of Stormont buying Lough Neagh from the Earl of Shaftesbury, has found "no compelling grounds" to make the purchase. It is understood that while the Lough is not currently for sale, the Earl is reported to have said if his ownership "was a barrier to development potential of the lough he would consider a sale".
Report Finds No Benefit To Stormont Buying Lough Neagh
A working group exploring the idea of Stormont buying Lough Neagh from the Earl of Shaftesbury, has found "no compelling grounds" to make the purchase. It is understood that while the Lough is not currently for sale, the Earl is reported to have said if his ownership "was a barrier to development potential of the lough he would consider a sale".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
