Local leaders and residents stress the need for stronger leadership and solutions to safeguard the

Gerry Darby, manager of the Lough Neagh Partnership, emphasised that solutions are possible if greater leadership and collaboration are shown. “There are things that can be done, and I wouldn’t be too apocalyptic in terms of saying the lough’s done, the lough’s over,” Darby stated, citing recovery from a major bloom in the 1970s as proof of its resilience.

Despite the absence of devolved ministers at Stormont, Darby believes civil servants can step up, noting: “It doesn’t take any money to ring up… and discuss the biggest environmental issue in Northern Ireland.” He criticised the lack of effective communication and leadership from government departments, pointing out how concerned local residents remain about the lough’s health and safety.

The issue’s impact on the local community was poignantly described by Mary O’Hagan, an open water swimmer who relies on the lough for physical and mental health. “For me personally, that has been completely devastating,” she said, describing how access restrictions have taken away her pain relief and mental health support. “Overnight, that was taken away. Gone. So, my coping mechanism is gone.”