Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has welcomed agreement at today’s Good Friday Agreement Committee that Lough Neagh Partnership will make a presentation to the committee.

The Mid Ulster MP said:

“I welcome today’s agreement at the Good Friday Agreement Committee, following my proposal, that Lough Neagh Partnership will make a presentation to the committee.

“Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lough in Ireland, and yet no department has overall responsibility for it.

“There has long been a case for taking Lough Neagh into public ownership, but the recent blue-green algae blooms have only furthered that case. 

“Lough Neagh is a huge asset for all the communities who live close to its shores and it has so much untapped potential.  

“It should be brought under public ownership so that a clear management structure can be developed and long-term plans developed to keep the lough safe and sustainable for future generations.”