On Wednesday 23 July 2025, the Irish Church Leaders Group made a visit to Lough Neagh and Coney Island, a landscape steeped in beauty, history, ecological importance and growing crisis. This pilgrimage was not only about witnessing the natural wonders of Lough Neagh but also about listening deeply to the voices from local communities, conservationists and those whose livelihoods have long been tied to the Lough.
A Lough in Crisis
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, is a vital ecological, economic and cultural heartland for Northern Ireland, yet today it faces grave threats from nutrient pollution, invasive species like zebra mussels and increasingly severe blue-green algal blooms. These issues have devastated local fisheries and threatened unique species like the pollan and dollaghan trout.
In 2025, for the first time in generations, eel fishing was suspended, not because of legislation, but because export markets rejected the eels due to poor fat content, likely a result of the Lough’s ecological deterioration. For many families, a centuries-old way of life has come to an abrupt and painful end.
Listening to the Community
Beginning at Maghery Country Park, the Church Leaders began their visit with a boat crossing to Coney Island. There, they met members of the South West Lough Neagh, Rivers and Islands Association, some local people, including fishermen and environmental advocates, people working tirelessly to restore and protect the Lough’s ecosystems. Their testimonies bore witness to both the beauty of this place and the depth of the crisis.
A Shared Call to Care
The theme for the visit, “Put out into the deep”, invited deep spiritual reflection. As the Church Leaders travelled to and walked the ground of Coney Island, including a visit to St. Patrick’s Stone, they were reminded of the Gospel call to trust, to listen and to act boldly for the sake of God’s creation. Lough Neagh is more than a lake but a place that represents a shared heritage that crosses political, religious and social boundaries. The Church Leaders visit offered an opportunity to model collaboration, care and prophetic witness in the face of ecological collapse.
Their presence signalled not just solidarity but a shared commitment to healing and hope.
Towards Renewal and Responsibility
Archbishop Eamon acknowledged that environmental degradation is not only a scientific and political issue but also a deeply spiritual and moral one. Reflecting on his visit he posed important questions for all people of faith:
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What does it mean for faith communities to “put out into the deep” and face the ecological crises of our time?
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How can we collaborate across denominations, sectors and borders to renew our responsibility as stewards of creation?
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What prophetic voice might the Churches raise in solidarity with vulnerable ecosystems and communities?
A Symbol of Unity and Hope
Coney Island, with its 5,000 years of human habitation from Neolithic farmers to the present day has stood as a symbol of continuity, resilience and renewal. Today, cared for by the National Trust, it also symbolises the need to protect what is precious before it is lost.
The visit included a moment of prayer and shared reflection on Coney Island, allowing the Church leaders the opportunity to offer a quiet but powerful witness to the Churches’ desire to walk together, listen deeply and act with courage.
Watch the Reflection: Archbishop Eamon Martin’s video message from the visit
All are invited to learn more about the environmental challenges facing Lough Neagh and reflect on how they can do their part and protect creation.
