The Loughs Agency has welcomed the cessation of two recent High Court cases in Dublin that it says sought to prevent the agency from effectively regulating the Lough Foyle oyster fishery.
This follows a decision by the plaintiffs to withdraw their various claims, which led to the cases being struck out.
The Loughs Agency is the statutory authority dedicated to sustainably managing, promoting and developing the fisheries and resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.
Loughs Agency chief executive Sharon McMahon said: “Throughout the legal proceedings, our commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and fulfilling our statutory obligations has remained unwavering. We have diligently cooperated with the legal process, providing transparency and demonstrating the strength of our position.
“This favourable outcome not only showcases the robustness of our operations but also reaffirms the legal position of our statutory responsibilities. As a trusted North South Implementation Body, we consistently strive to fulfil our responsibilities and act in the best interests of the communities we serve.”
The Loughs Agency has responsibility for 4,070 sq km of catchment in the Foyle area and 480 sq km in Carlingford, with responsibility for the two sea loughs and an area extending 12 miles out to sea from Lough Foyle, which stretches to Downhill in Northern Ireland and Malin Head in Donegal.
Its board reports to the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and government sponsor departments: the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in Ireland.