Hundreds Protest for Urgent Action to Save Lough Neagh from Algae Crisis
Hundreds protested for urgent environmental action to save Lough Neagh, Ireland and the UK’s largest freshwater lake, from toxic algae blooms. The crisis, caused by excess nutrients and climate change, threatens 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Speakers urged collective action and criticized political inaction and underfunded infrastructure.
Hundreds of people protested for urgent environmental action to protect Lough Neagh, Ireland and the UK’s largest freshwater lake. Former MP Bernadette McAliskey addressed the event, which was supported by TV presenter Chris Packham.
The lough has been severely affected by blue-green algae blooms in recent summers. This is attributed to excess nutrients from wastewater, septic tanks, and agriculture, worsened by climate change and invasive zebra mussels. Lough Neagh supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and supports a significant eel fishing industry. Stormont ministers have agreed on an action plan to address the crisis.
The protest began at Battery Harbour in Co Tyrone, retracing a 1986 anti-lignite mining route to Ardboe High Cross. McAliskey emphasized that local people know the problems and solutions, urging collective action for the lough’s restoration and stewardship. Padraig Mac Niocaill of the Save Lough Neagh campaign highlighted underfunded water infrastructure and opposed potential water charges.
Chris Packham called the destruction a «national scandal,» stating that toxic algae, biodiversity collapse, and sewage pollution are consequences of political inaction, not inevitability.