Lough Neagh Catchment
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. But did you know the quality of the water in Lough Neagh is impacted by what goes on far from its shores, over much of Northern Ireland and across the border?
In this short video, produced by the Lough Neagh Partnership and funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, contributors from the Lough Neagh Partnership, Rivers Trust and River Blackwater Catchment Trust explain more about Lough Neagh, why it’s so important to Northern Ireland and what its ‘catchment’ is. They also demonstrate how simple measures, like fencing and the use of buffer zones, have the potential to have a significant impact on the quality of the water in the rivers that flow into Lough Neagh, as well as benefiting the farmers whose land they cross.
Importantly, the video reinforces how we all have our part to play and that by taking steps to improve the quality of our own local rivers, we can have a much bigger positive impact on Northern Ireland’s overall water environment. It reminds us of the need to be vigilant in reporting any water pollution incidents we come across through the Water Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 (available 24 hours a day).
The views and opinions on the subject of video content are those of the contributors.
About Lough Neagh and why it’s important
The importance of Lough Neagh cannot be overstated. The Lough is larger than the island of Malta and supplies 40% of drinking water in Northern Ireland.
According to Joanna Branniff of the Rivers Trust Lough Neagh’s problems start in the catchment and it attracts pollution from across the whole of Northern Ireland.
Joanna Braniff of the Rivers Trust explains just why Lough Neagh is so important to Northern Ireland for drinking water, for the community, for biodiversity, for fishing and for birdlife
Watch this short clip to find out more.
What is the Lough Neagh Catchment?
Did you know the quality of the water in Lough Neagh is impacted by what happens in its catchment area, which includes 5 out of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland?
Joanna Braniff of the Rivers Trust explains more about the Lough Neagh catchment.
Watch this short clip to find out more.
The Catchment’s impact on Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh is affected by the activities of homes and businesses across much of Northern Ireland.
Water from businesses, households and run-off is coming into Lough Neagh from across five very large catchments.
Joanna Braniff of the Rivers Trust explains how water quality and contributing factors from across Northern Ireland culminate in Lough Neagh.
Watch this short clip to find out more.
Understanding how local rivers impact Lough Neagh
Did you know, that the quality of your local river has the potential to have a much bigger impact on our overall water environment, including Lough Neagh?
Find out more from Gerry Darby, Lough Neagh Partnership in this short video .