Archbishop Eamon Martin has described the worsening environmental crisis at Lough Neagh as “a microcosm of the greater issues surrounding our common home,” highlighting the growing need for spiritual renewal and ecological responsibility in care for creation.
The Archbishop visited the lough, joined by fellow members of the Irish Church Leaders’ Group for a day of reflection, listening, and prayer at Machaire Rí and Coney Island. During their visit, the group met with conservationists, fishermen, and local residents all of whom are deeply affected by the lough’s decline.
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Ireland as well as Britain, is under threat from invasive species such as zebra mussels, blue-green algae blooms, as well as pollution. At one point, a thriving ecological and economic hub, the lough’s health has declined to the point where, earlier this year, eel fishing was suspended for the first time in generations. Families who fish the lough for their livelihoods are now being impacted by this change in the environment.
“The lough appears to be being suffocated,” Archbishop Martin said. “Everything about this lough is now under some kind of threat.”
While commending those working to protect the lough, the Archbishop stressed that the spiritual dimension must not be overlooked. “As church leaders, our reason for being here is to give thanks to God for the wonder and the beauty of creation… entrusted to us by God, to look after it as responsible stewards.”
He linked the crisis to Pope Francis’ call for “ecological conversion” in Laudato Si’, warning that the situation reflects the broader “cry of the earth, the cry of humanity and of all creation.”
The Church Leaders offered prayers for renewal and pledged to walk together in solidarity with those affected by ecological collapse. The Archbishop concluded by inviting the faithful to play their part in protecting Lough Neagh for future generations. “We pray that each one of us can look after this amazing natural habitat and resource, this beautiful gift that has been entrusted to us.”
