Lough Neagh Heritage Resilience Plan Launched
Comprehensive strategy sets out roadmap for environmental recovery, community prosperity, and sustainable stewardship of NI’s largest freshwater lake
The Lough Neagh Partnership is celebrating the conclusion of The Lough Neagh Ownership and Heritage Resilience Project with the publication of the Heritage Resilience Plan for Lough Neagh. Made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the publication of the plan marks a significant milestone in efforts to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for one of Northern Ireland’s most important natural, cultural, and environmental assets.
The project has focused on safeguarding the unique landscape, heritage, and biodiversity of Lough Neagh while establishing the foundations for its long-term recovery and resilience. Over the past two years, a wide network of community organisations, environmental specialists, statutory agencies, local businesses, and residents from around the shoreline and wider catchment area have worked together to help shape a shared vision for the future of the Lough.
At the heart of the project is the building of a blueprint for the next decade with the development of the Lough Neagh Heritage Resilience Plan – a comprehensive ten-year strategy designed to guide environmental restoration, strengthen cultural identity, benefit natural and cultural heritage and support sustainable economic opportunities across the region.
Informed by extensive research, stakeholder engagement, consultation, and risk assessment, the Plan sets out a clear vision for the future: a thriving Lough Neagh where environmental recovery, cultural heritage, and community prosperity are intrinsically linked.
The project also benefited from strong community participation. Working in partnership with Development Trusts NI and the Lough Neagh Development Trust, the Lough Neagh Partnership engaged extensively with local communities on future ownership and management proposals.
Speaking about the project and the publication of the Heritage Resilience Plan, Michael Browne of Lough Neagh Partnership said: “The Lough Neagh Ownership and Heritage Resilience Project has been a labour of love for everyone involved. The publication of the Heritage Resilience Plan for Lough Neagh will play a central role within the wider Forever Lough Neagh initiative, a collaborative programme bringing together communities, government departments, environmental organisations, and key stakeholders around a shared Roadmap to Recovery. Together, these initiatives will provide a coordinated framework for future investment, stewardship, and management of the Lough and its surrounding landscape.”
A key strand of the project focused on exploring future options for the ownership and management of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh.
Working alongside legal, ecological, governance, and heritage experts, as well as a broad range of stakeholders, the project examined innovative governance models capable of delivering long-term environmental and social benefits. This work culminated in the development of proposals for a community-based trust model, designed to ensure that any future transfer of ownership places the interests of both the environment and local communities at its core.
Michael Browne added: “Such a model could represent a landmark step in the management of shared natural assets in Northern Ireland, helping to ensure that future revenues generated from the Lough are reinvested into conservation, heritage protection, and community development initiatives.
“Collaboration has been central to the success of this project. Throughout the process, the Lough Neagh Partnership has worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and Forever Lough Neagh to align environmental, heritage, and economic priorities. I’m proud that these partnerships are now helping to inform the development of a wider strategic Roadmap to Recovery for Lough Neagh and its catchment area.”
From fishermen and farmers to artists, tourism providers, and local residents, people from across the Lough Neagh region contributed their knowledge, experiences, and aspirations through surveys, workshops, and consultation events. Their input has helped shape practical, locally driven recommendations that will support the Lough’s recovery and ensure that future decision-making remains rooted in community needs and aspirations.
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund we’re committed to building resilience by providing organisations with capacity and expertise to develop their long-term plans. With the help of our funding, made possible by National Lottery players, the Lough Neagh Partnership has been able to employ staff to co-ordinate plans, secure advice and undertake community and stakeholder consultation on future options for Lough Neagh. We hope that this Heritage Resilience Plan will inform the range of people interested in the sustainable future of this treasured natural and built heritage asset.”
While the project has now concluded, its legacy will continue through the implementation of the Heritage Resilience Plan and the ongoing development of collaborative recovery initiatives.
Michael Browne of Lough Neagh Partnership concluded: “By combining environmental restoration, cultural stewardship, community engagement, and innovative governance, the project has created a strong foundation for the future of Lough Neagh. The work undertaken over the past two years demonstrates what can be achieved when communities, organisations, and government work together towards a common goal: protecting and enhancing this remarkable landscape for generations to come.”
View the Heritage Resilience Plan for Lough Neagh HERE – check back soon
