Mid Ulster Council seeks clarity on Lough Neagh financial support scheme

The issue was raised at February’s meeting of Mid Ulster District Council by Sinn Féin Councillor Niall McAleer who has once again criticized the length of time it is taking for a scheme to be opened.

Speaking after Thursday night’s meeting Cllr McAleer stated: “Despite numerous promises from DAERA to open a scheme, we are now almost one year on from the first lockdown and to date no support has been provided, which is a disgrace.”

The Torrent representative continued: “I have been engaging with local fishermen and representatives of the fishing industry and as well as a lack of support through Covid, the fishing industry on Lough Neagh is facing a number of challenges as a result of Brexit.

"At a time of great uncertainty our locally elected Minister should be doing everything in his power to support the industry and I would once again call on him to urgently open the proposed scheme to support those seeking to earn a living from the Lough”.

Councillor McAleer’s proposal to write to the Minister was seconded by Council Chairman and party colleague Cathal Mallaghan who said he would ask for urgent clarification as to when the proposed scheme will open.

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