Home / Environment / Stormont Declared "Crime Scene" Over Lough Neagh Environmental Crisis
Stormont Declared "Crime Scene" Over Lough Neagh Environmental Crisis
21 Oct
Summary
- Lough Neagh facing third summer of blue-green algae blooms
- Activists call for independent EPA, community ownership, and halt to factory farms
- Government departments accused of "murdering" the lough through inaction
In a dramatic protest, activists have declared Northern Ireland's seat of government, the Parliament Buildings at Stormont, a "crime scene" over the ongoing environmental crisis at Lough Neagh. The lough, described as the region's "most precious natural habitat and cultural jewel," has been blighted by blooms of blue-green algae for the third summer in a row as of October 2025.
The cause of the crisis has been attributed to an excess of nutrients from a variety of sources, including waste water, septic tanks, and agricultural runoff, exacerbated by climate change and the invasive Zebra Mussel species. Despite the implementation of a Lough Neagh Recovery Plan by the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, activists argue that all government departments are responsible for the lough's deterioration.
Protesters have called for immediate action, including the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland, community ownership of the lough with the rights of nature enshrined, and a moratorium on factory farms and sand dredging. They have also demanded urgent investment in waste water systems and the convening of a Citizens' Assembly to address the crisis.
The activists have gone so far as to stage a symbolic citizens' arrest of an "MLA" (Member of the Legislative Assembly) during the demonstration, highlighting their belief that the government's inaction amounts to a "criminal offense" under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act.
