As concerned residents of Lough Neagh and the North of Ireland, we are witnessing the slow death of our beloved lough right before our eyes. For decades, unregulated pollution, political incompetence, systemic failure, from the civil service and lack of urgent and sustainable action from DAERA have pushed Lough Neagh to the brink of death and ecological collapse. Love Our Lough have decided to start this petition to demand immediate action to protect this vital ecosystem by implementing greater environmental protections, promoting tourism in the area, and transferring ownership into the hands of the community.

Personal Story:
Growing up near Lough Neagh has given me a deep connection to this stunning natural treasure. Many of us who live near Lough Neagh swim in its waters or regularly walk around its shores while enjoying the diverse wildlife. However, our lough has become a shadow of its former self due to rampant pollution, an absent unaccountable owner, governmental neglect, and systemic incompetence.

The reality is that dogs have lost their lives after drinking from the lough and people have become very ill after swimming in it. Recent reports of outbreaks of green algae blooms throughout the Lough have confirmed the largest lake in Ireland and the United Kingdom is in a dangerous state. The water quality has deteriorated so much that swimming wild water is no longer safe for humans. This dire situation not only threatens our enjoyment but also endangers countless species that call Lough Neagh home.

This is a public health and environmental disaster. 

Facts and Statistics:
1. The recent outbreak of algae blooms is showing us that pollution levels in Lough Neagh have reached alarming levels.
2. The decline in water quality has led to a significant threat to the fishing community and other businesses that rely on Lough Neagh being safe for people and wildlife. This has had a huge financial impact on businesses and industries that rely on the lough such as fishermen, boat tours, kayaking, paddle boarding instructors and outdoor recreational companies. This is devastating to local people who live around the Lough and depend on it for their livelihoods and wellbeing. 
3. Local communities would benefit greatly from tourism being promoted and supported around Lough Neagh. It is a hidden gem and a site of immense natural beauty and wildlife diversity and more needs to be done to encourage tourism all around the Lough. 
4. Ownership transfer into community hands would ensure long-term commitment towards protecting and preserving this invaluable resource and would also allow the management structure to be more robust and transparent. It is currently owned by the Earl of Shaftsbury who lives in Cornwall, takes large profits from the Lough, and seemingly refuses to be held accountable or take responsibility for the dangerous current state of the Lough. 

Petition Demands:
1. Implement stricter environmental regulations and monitoring systems to prevent further pollution.
2. Allocate funds for comprehensive cleanup efforts aimed at restoring the health of Lough Neagh.
3. Establish partnerships between local authorities and environmental organizations to develop sustainable management plans.
4. Promote responsible tourism in the area, highlighting the unique natural wonders of Lough Neagh.
5. Facilitate the transfer of ownership from current stakeholders to a community-led organization dedicated to safeguarding Lough Neagh's future.

By signing this petition, we urge all concerned individuals, environmental activists, and local communities to join us in demanding urgent action for the protection of Lough Neagh. Together, let's ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and biodiversity for years to come.

We appreciate your support and your help with this cause is invaluable. 

Thank you

Love Our Lough.