8 SEPTEMBER 2025 

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has urged Sinn Féin, the DUP and the UUP to re-think their abandonment of Lough Neagh.

He was speaking ahead of an SDLP Opposition motion on Tuesday.

It calls on those who opposed the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) consultation to support anything necessary to safeguard the lough.

South Down MLA Mr O’Toole said:

“The Executive is failing Lough Neagh. The two dominant parties appear to have abandoned any attempt to rescue one of western Europe’s largest lakes and a precious natural resource. The situation at the lough could not be more stark – the blue-green algae is there for everyone to see, yet the majority of our Executive parties don’t seem willing to act.

“Mere months ago we saw the Sinn Féin First Minister stand on the banks of the lough and promise action. It is galling that her party then voted to scrap the consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme – a vital scheme aimed at reducing agricultural pollution entering the lough. It is yet another example of this Executive saying one thing and doing another.

“Tomorrow the SDLP Opposition is giving these parties the opportunity to admit their mistake, reverse their position and support all necessary measures to save Lough Neagh. It doesn’t have to be this way. Last month the SDLP brought forward our own proposals to tackle the challenges facing the lough, including a levy on big agri-food companies to help fund the clean-up. It’s time for the Executive to show the same leadership.”