Gary McErlain, Chair of Lough Neagh Partnership, has today demanded urgent cross-party action to save Lough Neagh.
Demanding that politicians show leadership, Gary said: “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.
“I believe the time for talking is over. In more than 40 years I have not witnessed the devastation on the Lough that I am seeing today. The situation is dire and there is a need for all parties to enter into constructive engagement with Minister Muir regarding the implementation of 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.
“For too long, responsibility for Lough Neagh has been fragmented, with agencies and departments working in isolation and often without the resources or mandate to make meaningful progress.
“What is needed now is 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 people who live around Lough Neagh, who rely on it for recreation, fishing, tourism, and water supply, deserve to see that those elected to serve them are capable of rising above party politics to work together for the common good.
“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.
“I fear that if we fail to act collectively and urgently, the damage to Lough Neagh could quickly become irreversible, with devastating consequences for biodiversity, the local economy, and our shared natural heritage.
“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.”
Follow Lough Neagh Partnership at www.facebook.com/loughneaghpartnership
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