Debate contribution: Lough Neagh Action Plan
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 7 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Lough Neagh Action Plan
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5670035
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Thank you, David. Last month, I requested and had a meeting with the Earl of Shaftesbury to discuss the ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh. The option for the transfer of the bed and soil, without charge, to public ownership was discussed. Community ownership was noted as presenting significant challenges, given the scale of the lough and the range of interests within the catchment, but it was also recognised that it should not be ruled out as a long-term goal. As we know, Lough Neagh is also of strategic importance to drinking water security, and, naturally, that must influence future ownership and governance arrangements. I have written to the Infrastructure Minister today to request a meeting about transferring the bed and soil of Lough Neagh to Waterways Ireland, NI Water or the Department for Infrastructure. This is an important opportunity, and I hope that it can be seized.
151 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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