Financial support needed for struggling Lough Neagh fishing industry

Councillor Niall McAleer said like most other areas of the economy, fishing on Lough Neagh has been hit by a huge downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "There have been promises of support from DAERA Minister Edwin Poots to assist fishermen affected by this downturn but this has yet to materialise.”

“On the 15th September, in response to a question in the Assembly by Mid Ulster MLA Emma Sheerin, the Minister committed to putting in place a scheme for Lough Neagh fishermen and advised he would release further details within a week.

"In a further written response to Upper Bann MLA, John O’Dowd, on 8th October the Minister again advised that details for a scheme would be announced shortly.

"Another three weeks have passed and fishermen on Lough Neagh are still waiting on concrete proposals for a financial support scheme. The uncertainty created by these continued delays is causing great concern.”

Councillor McAleer has called on the Minister to urgently clarify when a scheme for financial support will open so that those affected are given some financial certainty for the immediate future.

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