Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) all those, including public bodies and private organisations, who have ownership of (a) any part of the Lough Neagh bed; (b) land with access to the Lough shore; and (c) fishing or shooting rights on this land; and (ii) how this has impacted efforts to protect the Lough and take effective action.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: The Lough Neagh bed is owned by the Shaftesbury Estate. With regards to ownership of land with access to the Lough Shore, the Department of Finance’s Land and Property Services (LPS) is responsible for the Land Registry for Northern Ireland, which will give details of individual lands registered.
My department makes no determination of and maintains no record regarding the ownership of fishing rights on Lough Neagh. The Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Ltd. asserts control of and manages the commercial fishing rights for Lough Neagh. Shooting rights for the land around Lough Neagh are a matter for the owners of those lands.
Notwithstanding this, my department continues to regulate water quality, protect habitats and biodiversity, and respond to environmental incidents, irrespective of land ownership.
We are on a shared journey to improve the water quality of Lough Neagh and its wider catchment. I would emphasise the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing the environmental challenges facing the Lough. I am committed to working together towards a positive outcome that benefits both the environment and the local community.
ENDS
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