SDLP Mid Ulster Welcomes Party Leader to Lough Neagh Shore

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, welcomed Party Leader Claire Hanna, MP, to Ballyronan on Sunday. The Mid Ulster MLA was accompanied by local party Councillors Denise Johnston, Christine McFlynn, Kerri Martin and Malachy Quinn.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McGlone said, “We welcome the visit by our Party Leader to Ballyronan. It was an opportunity to show Claire this beautiful and vibrant village on the shores of Lough Neagh.

“Unfortunately, it was also an opportunity to see the impact of the destructive blue-green algae on the Lough and the people who depend on it.”

Earlier Cllr Johnston had posted online footage of the Lough covered in algae. “The extent of the spread of the algae is like nothing I’ve seen before”, said Cllr Johnston. “There’s nothing that really prepares you for the visual impact of the Lough covered in algae. Not to mention the horrendous stench.”

“There were dead elvers that just recently had been introduced to the Lough to replenish the eel supply and ensure the survival of the traditional eel fishing that over the years has sustained so many local families. This is just devastating for
them.”

“Claire spent time with Lough Neagh Rescue and spoke to several concerned fishermen about their experiences and disappointment around the lack of progress.”

Claire Hanna, MP, said, “It was devastating to see and hear at first hand the impact of the blue-green algae on the local community.

“The continued failure to properly address this ecological crisis is a betrayal of all those who rely on the Lough or who enjoy its natural beauty.”

Mr McGlone ended by saying, “The SDLP has repeatedly stated that we are willing to work constructively with the Executive.

“But they are responsible for taking action, and much more needs to be done if the Lough is ever to recover.

“I have asked the AERA Minister, Andrew Muir, for an urgent meeting on the need to bring the current decline of Lough Neagh to a halt.”