Save Lough Neagh campaign group to hold rally and white line protest in Toomebridge this weekend

The Save Lough Neagh Collective will be holding a rally and white line protest this Sunday, November 26 at 2pm in Toomebridge.

Participants will assemble at the Lock Keepers cottage.

The past summer brought to light the severely neglected and polluted state of Lough Neagh.

A spokesperson for the Collective said: "The lough was covered in toxic blue green algal blooms from June until October, highlighting the massive failings of our Government departments to protect our rivers and Lough. Lough Neagh has six rivers flowing into it, and one that flows out. The Lower Bann, flows from Toome till Castlerock, and carried a steady stream of Poison all Summer, affecting the North coast beaches, and businesses that relied on both the Lough and The Bann.

"There were many reported deaths of wildlife around the shores and several dogs died traumatic deaths after coming into contact with the algae.

"Over 40% of our drinking water comes from Lough Neagh, and many people resorted to drinking bottled water because of this."

Locally, a campaign group called Save our Shores, has been calling for urgent action to be taken, however, to date, Nothing has been done.

This is the second protest in a series, which will see the group hold protests at the North, South, East and West shores of Lough Neagh.

The Save Lough Neagh Collective is made up of people from many different campaign groups, who are working together on this issue. The pollution in Lough Neagh is now at a level where it is highly likely that these harmful algal blooms will return year on year over the summer months.

"We invite you, the Loughshore and local people to stand up for Lough Neagh. Come along and show your support. Bring posters, Placards, and if you have Hi Vis, please wear it. This is a peaceful protest and suitable for all the family to attend. We are fighting for our children's futures after all."

Speakers will include; Bernadette McAliskey (Civil rights campaigner and Youngest ever MP), Maeve O’ Neill (Environmental Campaigner), Gary Houston (Chairman of Ulster Angling Federation), Gerard McCourt (Dredge the Blackwater campaign), Declan Coney (Wildlife expert) and Mary O’ Hagan(Founding member, Ballyronan Bluetits Swimming group/Save our Shores campaign group).