Lough Neagh: Protestors call for urgent action

Protestors said they wanted to send a message that they are fed up with Lough Neagh pollution

Campaigners gathered in Belfast city centre on Saturday to call for urgent action to save Lough Neagh.

Those attending the rally in Writers' Square said they were sending a message that they were fed up with pollution in the lough.

Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, has been blighted by toxic blue-green algae since June.

It supplies half of Belfast's drinking water and 40% of NI's overall supply.

James Orr, director of Friends of the Earth in Northern Ireland, said Lough Neagh should be "our heartland".

James Orr said the government's reaction is inadequate and Lough Neagh could see more toxic algae blooms in the future

"The violence we are inflicting on Lough Neagh is far too serious - and the pollution isn't going away," he added.

"The government's reaction is to have no reaction - it's condemning Lough Neagh to more toxic algae blooms in the future."

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Lough Neagh is home to the largest commercial wild eel fishery in Europe.

A demonstrator holds a Lough Neagh 'headstone' at Saturday's rally

Declan Coney, a former fisherman on the lough, he said those involved in the industry are unhappy with what is happening.

"Fishermen have known this for 40-50 years. The algae has always been there - it's only since May this year, because the water is clear, that it's visible to the two eyes," he said.

Declan Coney says fishermen have known about the lough's problems for decades

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair has previously said Lough Neagh's problems are complex and will take decades to resolve.

The department said part of the solution is to review the impact of current policies.