CAMPAIGNERS demanding changes to the management of Lough Neagh will march through the centre of Belfast on Saturday.
Various environmental groups, along with lough residents and anglers, politicians and trade unions, are expected to take part in the march from Writers' Square on Donegall Street to the City Hall.
The march is being led by the Save Our Shores group.
Organisers said the march, starting at 1pm, will "highlight the crisis at the lough and to set out clear demands for its restoration".
The campaigners have listed five demands:
- Public acquisition of the lough.
- Independent Environmental Protection Agency.
- Investment in a research and recovery plan.
- End commercial sand-dredging, sewage dumping, and reduce agricultural run-off.
- Recognise the rights of nature.
The march comes following a summer that saw the widespread blooming of the toxic bacteria known as blue-green algae. It feeds on nitrates and phosphates, largely from agricultural run-off and sewage, but particular weather conditions and clearer waters encouraged the blooming of the bacteria.
A spokesperson said: “Lough Neagh is on the brink of collapse. We need urgent action to save this vital natural resource.
“Years of government mistreatment, coupled with a global climate crisis have turned Lough Neagh into a stinking cesspit, where toxic algal blooms suffocate local wildlife and poison our drinking water.
“Big industrial polluters have been allowed to use our waterways as their own private sewer.
“Former Stormont ministers incentivised agricultural pollution and refused to clamp down on those dumping sewage into Lough Neagh’s tributaries. Despite repeated objections, they allowed commercial sand-dredging of the lake-bed, putting private profits before our natural environment.
“Environmentalists are issuing a call to action over Lough Neagh, calling on everyone to attend a demonstration in Belfast”
