An eel fisher is set to confront authorities at the High Court in Belfast, alleging that they have permitted the ecological collapse of Lough Neagh by neglecting to address severe pollution issues. Declan Conlon, whose family has fished the inland lake in Northern Ireland for generations, once home to Europe's largest wild eel fishery, is pursuing a judicial review against the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). He contends that the department has not taken action against polluters despite overwhelming evidence of the lake's environmental degradation.
The Ecological Crisis at Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh, the UK's largest lake by surface area, is located centrally in Northern Ireland and is recognized as a globally significant and internationally protected site. However, it is currently grappling with an acute environmental crisis. The lake is inundated with phosphorus and nitrogen, primarily from agricultural sources such as farm runoff, fertilisers, and animal waste, alongside inadequate wastewater treatment facilities and septic tank leakage.
Impact on Aquatic Life and Tourism
The lake's waters, once clear and light brown, have turned green due to recurrent algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels, suffocating aquatic life. According to Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FoE NI), toxins from the algae have resulted in the deaths of swans, fish, and even pet dogs. In 2025, eel fishing was suspended, and tourists have abandoned what should be a freshwater sanctuary rich in ecological diversity, including abundant salmon and eels.
Conlon's livelihood has been severely impacted. In his judicial review, he argues that authorities have persisted in relying on inadequate plans and unenforced pollution regulations despite the lake's dire situation. He expressed his distress, stating, "My way of life has been destroyed by the blue-green algae, and I want Daera to do whatever is necessary to stop the algae and safeguard Lough Neagh for future generations." He emphasized that this fight is not just about his income but about securing justice for the lake before it is irreparably damaged.
Legal and Community Support
Enda McGarrity, director at PA Duffy & Co, representing Conlon, highlighted that the case mirrors the real-life experiences of those whose livelihoods depend on the lake's health. "Where there was once abundance, there are now no flies for eels to feed on, barely any birds, and foul-smelling water stretches," McGarrity noted. He added that Conlon undertook this legal challenge with seriousness, believing the lake and its community deserve proper legal protection.
FoE NI and River Action are seeking to intervene in the case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday. Over 50,000 people have endorsed FoE NI's proposal to save the lake, which includes returning it to community ownership. Emma Dearnaley, head of legal at River Action, stressed that the case raises urgent questions about whether sufficient measures are being taken to combat the pollution causing Lough Neagh's decline. "For too long, decision-makers have relied on plans and promises while pollution persists and the lake visibly deteriorates. We hope this case will lead to clear, enforceable action to reduce pollution and restore this vital ecosystem," she said.
Official Response and Broader Implications
A Daera spokesperson declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. This case underscores broader issues of environmental governance and accountability in Northern Ireland, as communities and activists rally to protect natural resources from industrial and agricultural harm.
