Eel fisher takes on authorities at Belfast court over pollution in UK’s largest lake | Water
An eel fisherman is to argue at the High Court in Belfast that authorities allowed the ecological collapse of Lough Neagh by failing to take action against pollution.
Declan Conlon, whose family has fished for generations in Northern Ireland’s inland lake which once hosted Europe’s largest wild eel fishery, is seeking to bring a judicial review application against the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). He will argue that the ministry has failed to take action against polluters despite clear evidence of the lake’s ecological collapse.
Lough Neagh, the UK’s largest lake by area, is located in the heart of Northern Ireland and is a globally significant and internationally protected site. But it suffers from an acute environmental crisis. It is overloaded with phosphorus and nitrogen from agriculture, including farm runoff, fertilizer and animal manure, as well as inadequate sewage treatment facilities and leaking septic tanks.
The lake’s once clear, light brown waters are now green from recurring algae blooms, which deprive the lake of oxygen and smother aquatic life. According to Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FoE NI), toxins from the algae have killed swans, fish and even pet dogs.
Eel fishing was suspended in 2025 and tourists have fled what should be a freshwater refuge because of its ecological diversity and abundance of salmon and eel.
Conlon’s livelihood was hugely affected. He argues in his judicial review that authorities have continued to rely on inadequate plans and unenforced pollution regimes despite the crisis facing the lake.
He said he was now watching the lake die before his eyes. “My way of life has been destroyed by blue-green algae and I want Daera to do whatever is necessary to stop the algae and save and protect Lough Neagh, the fish, the flies and the wildlife for the benefit of future generations,” he said. “It’s not just about my livelihood, it’s also about justice for the lake before there’s nothing left for the next generation.”
Enda McGarrity, director of PA Duffy & Co, which represents Conlon, said the case reflected the experience of those whose livelihoods depend on the health of the lake.
“Where there once was abundance, there are no flies for eels to feed on, almost no birds, and bodies of water that smell so foul you can’t stand near them,” McGarrity said.
“Declan has not taken this matter lightly. He has issued this challenge because he believes that the lake, its livelihood, its way of life and the community that depends on it deserve adequate protection under the law.”
FoE NI and River Action are seeking to intervene in the case, which will be heard on Tuesday.
More than 50,000 people have backed FoE NI’s plan to save the lake, which involves returning it to community ownership again.
River Action head of legal Emma Dearnaley said the case raised urgent questions about whether enough action was being taken to tackle the pollution causing Lough Neagh’s decline. “For too long, policymakers have relied on plans and promises while pollution persisted and Lough Neagh visibly deteriorated. We hope this case will help implement the clear and enforceable measures needed to reduce pollution and restore this vital ecosystem.”
A spokesperson for Daera said: “Proceedings have now been commenced in this matter and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment on the matters before the court. »
