Calls for financial support for fishermen after commercial eel fishing suspended at Lough Neagh

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has called on the Agriculture Minister to introduce a financial assistance scheme for eel fishermen.

The South Antrim MLA was speaking after it was announced commercial eel fishing on Lough Neagh is to be suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“It is absolutely catastrophic that, after two previous years of disruption, the 2025 eel fishing season has been brought to a premature halt,” said Mr Kearney.

“This devastating stoppage has the potential to permanently end employment and the livelihoods of commercial fishermen who rely on the lough for an income.

“As we continue working to address problems facing Lough Neagh, a crisis support fund is urgently required to secure the tradition of commercial fishing and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

“I have raised this issue with Minister Muir countless times — most recently in the Assembly on 30 June — imploring him to act.

“Such assistance is crucial to sustain these fishermen and their families while efforts to restore the health of Lough Neagh are undertaken.

“I am reiterating calls in the strongest possible terms for the minister to act now.”