Can you do your bit to help avoid further contamination of Lough Neagh?

Over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water comes from Lough Neagh and for this reason we are deeply concerned about a proposed dumping site at Ennismore Rd, Milltown, Birches, Portadown. We fear the potential hazardous waste that will be disposed of at this site. Particularly alarming is the fact that the drains at this location run directly into Lough Neagh. We fear the threat of air and water pollution if this dumping continues is very real and alarming.

According to a report by Environmental Research Letters (2018), improper waste disposal can lead to significant environmental issues including air, soil and water contamination. The same study also highlights how such practices can have severe health impacts on local communities.

We urge our local authorities to reconsider this proposal considering its potential harm not only to our environment but also to our health and well-being. Add to this the site of a dump on the side of a main road in an area where an environmental catastrophe is looming already. We believe there are alternative solutions for waste management that do not pose such risks.

Further to the significant environmental concerns, this dump will also impact the already altered flood plain in the area. The result of this places peoples homes and livelihoods at risk, indeed as a result of recent stormy weather, neighbours of the site have already experienced this.

Please join us in voicing our concerns by signing this petition today! Together we can help to protect an already threatened Lough Neagh and ensure safe drinking water for all and avoid further environmental damage.