The Earl of Shaftesbury, who owns the bed and soil of Lough Neagh, has announced that he is open to selling the ownership of the lake to the public. However, he has made it clear that he will not gift it for free. The lake has been owned by the Earl’s estate for centuries, with civil servants advising the government not to purchase the rights for £6m ten years ago.
Pollution is tarnishing the lake, with wildlife and birds suffering, particularly after blue-green algal blooms during the summer. Lough Neagh is responsible for half of Belfast’s drinking water and 40% of Northern Ireland’s water supply overall. Angling groups have expressed serious concerns, as the water pollution is jeopardising their livelihoods.
Nicolas Ashley-Cooper, the current Earl, is willing to revisit the idea of selling the lake’s ownership to determine the best outcome for Lough Neagh. However, he does not support gifting the lake as he would like to be treated like any other business owner. The sale of the lake has been highly debated over the years, with legal battles occurring over fishing and hunting rights.
The current pollution in Lough Neagh is caused by settled weather, invasive species, and water pollution, particularly from agriculture. Excess fertiliser runs off into the water and introduces growth-stimulating nitrogen and phosphorus into the lake. Additionally, the invasion of the zebra mussel almost two decades ago filters the water and enables the sun’s light to penetrate deeper into the depths. This, along with the excess nutrients from fertiliser, causes the algae to grow rapidly.
The earl argues that his company has gone through the planning process and extensive monitoring, and he does not believe it causes wider problems to the wildlife or habitat. He suggested the need for a new independent body to deal with pollution in the lake, which may involve stricter controls or financial consequences for him. Despite living abroad, he stated that he is closely monitored and scrutinised but would always want to adhere to any regulations or controls
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