Lough Neagh has suffered from a major nutrient overload, with sources including agriculture, NI Water’s sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, and industrial pollution.

While all of these issues must be addressed, the scientific consensus is clear: the majority of nutrients—around 62%—originate from the agricultural sector.

The first step towards tackling this crisis is to support the proposed Nutrient Action Plan (NAP).

 
What is the NAP?
The Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) is a legal framework aimed at reducing water pollution caused by agricultural nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus (from slurry, fertiliser, and manure). These nutrients wash into rivers and lakes—including Lough Neagh—fueling harmful algal blooms that threaten health, wildlife, and livelihoods.

 
Why Is It Urgent?
Lough Neagh and many of our rivers are in crisis:

Fish kills
Toxic algal blooms
Unsafe for recreation and tourism
Risk to drinking water
Damage to biodiversity
Doing nothing is not an option.

 
What’s in the NAP Proposal (2025–2028)?
Stricter rules on fertiliser and slurry use
Tighter closed periods for spreading
Bigger buffer zones near water
Compulsory nutrient management plans
Improved storage and spreading
Enhanced slurry storage requirements
Support for low-emission spreading equipment
More monitoring and enforcement
Soil testing and slurry movement tracking
Stronger penalties for repeat breaches
Focus on high-risk zones
Tougher measures in Nutrient Vulnerable Zones like Lough Neagh catchments
 
What Does It Mean for Farmers?
Change is needed, but the plan aims to be supportive, not punitive.

This may involve:

New investment in storage and equipment
More planning and paperwork
It is designed to promote long-term sustainability.

 
What Happens If We Don’t Act?
More pollution and algal blooms
Public health risks
Long-term damage to farming, fishing, and tourism
 
What Can You Do?
Sign the petition to support the NAP
Respond to the consultation (before the deadline)
Share this information with friends, neighbours, and colleagues
Push for stronger environmental protections across all sectors
Petition: change.org/p/protect-lough-neagh-support-the-nap

 
How to Sign the Petition (No Payment or Sharing Required)

*** YOU CAN SIGN THE PETITION AND SELECT THE OPTION NOT TO HAVE YOUR NAME PUBLICLY DISPLAYED ***

Click the red button that says:
“Sign this petition”
Enter your details:
First name
Surname
Email address
Click the red “Sign this petition” button again.
 
After Signing
You’ll be asked to share the petition or donate.
If you prefer, just click "Copy link" and then “Continue” – you don’t need to actually share or pay.

You can follow the remaining steps if you wish, or skip them.

 
Important – Final Step: Check Your Email
Look for a confirmation email from Change.org.
It might be in your junk or spam folder.
You MUST click the link in that email to verify your signature.
If you don’t, your name won’t be counted on the petition.

 
Please share this guide with friends and family who may have had trouble signing — every signature counts for Lough Neagh!

More details on the NAP can be found here: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-proposed-nutrients-action-programme-2026-2029