Enda McGarrity

Declan Conlon, whose family has fished in the lough for generations, alleges that DAERA continues to rely on inadequate plans and unenforced pollution regimes despite clear evidence of “ecological collapse” over several years.

Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the UK and Ireland, providing approximately 40 per cent of Northern Ireland’s drinking water, has suffered years of severe blue-green algal blooms and ecological decline – which can be seen from space.

Enda McGarrity, director at P.A. Duffy & Co. and solicitor for Mr Conlon, said the case reflects the lived experience of those whose livelihoods depend on the health of the lough and is about securing justice for Lough Neagh and the communities who rely on it.

“Declan Conlon has fished Lough Neagh his entire life, and what he is witnessing in recent years is a collapse unlike anything seen before,” he said.

“Where there was once abundance, there are now no flies for the eels to feed on, barely any birds, and stretches of water that smell so foul you cannot stand near them.

“He has seen the impact with his own eyes, from wildlife disappearing to reports of animals becoming sick after contact with the water. The blue-green algae is not just unsightly; it poses a real risk to health.

“Declan did not take this case lightly. He has brought this challenge because he believes the lough, his livelihood, his way of life, and the community that depends on it deserve proper protection under the law.”

A permission hearing was set to take place today at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast.

Environmental organisations River Action UK and Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland say they will apply to intervene in the proceedings.

River Action is seeking to intervene in the judicial review to help the court assess whether DAERA is complying with its legal duties to protect Lough Neagh.

By drawing on recent legal cases addressing agricultural waste, nutrient pollution and river basin planning in England, River Action hopes to establish that DAERA must put in place clear, enforceable measures to reduce pollution and restore the health of the lough and its internationally important habitats.

River Action’s head of legal, Emma Dearnaley, said: “Declan Conlon’s case raises urgent questions about whether enough is being done to tackle the pollution driving the decline of Lough Neagh.

“When pollution persists year after year and ecological harm becomes impossible to ignore, it is right to ask whether the legal frameworks designed to protect Northern Ireland’s waters are being properly applied. River Action seeks to assist the court in answering that question.

“For too long, decision-makers have relied on plans and promises while pollution has continued and Lough Neagh has visibly deteriorated. We hope this case will help bring about the clear, enforceable action needed to reduce pollution and restore this vital ecosystem.”

Leigh Day partner Ricardo Gama, who represents River Action, said: “As a national organisation, River Action hopes to make sure that all jurisdictions in the UK are taking a correct and consistent approach to dealing with the acute pollution crisis in our rivers and lakes.

“They have already established important legal principles in cases brought in England, and they hope that they can bring these principles to bear in Mr Conlon’s case. This would not only be for the benefit of Lough Neagh, but also every other water body at risk of ecological collapse in Northern Ireland.”

Friends of the Earth NI has been campaigning to protect Lough Neagh for decades.

Director James Orr said: “Lough Neagh is dying and it is dying in plain sight.

“It is a sad indictment of the state of our environmental protection regime that it has taken a local fisherman to challenge government inaction through the Courts to protect the Lough.

“For generations the lough and its communities have been betrayed by those in power. Yet again, taking this case shows the leadership to protect our life support systems is coming from our local communities.”