A total of €33 million has been allocated to a programme aimed at improving water quality in the Lough Neagh catchment area. The funding is part of a wider €56 million joint investment in water quality across the island and comes from the Irish Government’s Shared Island initiative.

The programme will run until 2031 and its goals include reducing nutrient and sediment losses and restoring ecological habitats. Lough Neagh provides more than 40 per cent of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and supports wildlife, ecosystems, and the local economy.

Mid Ulster MP Cathal Mallaghan described the allocation as a significant step in addressing the environmental challenges facing the lough. Mid Ulster MLA Linda Dillon said the investment must be matched by sustained delivery to safeguard the natural asset.

The two Sinn Féin representatives said the challenges require coordinated action across the island and they welcomed the cross-border nature of the funding.