Northern Ireland's New Minister of Agriculture Visits Loughs Agency to Learn About Environmental Preservation Efforts

8th March 2024

Chief Executive Officer of Loughs Agency, Sharon McMahon, welcomes Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir to Loughs Agency

Northern Ireland's new Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, recently paid a visit to the Loughs Agency Headquarters in Prehen, gaining first-hand insights into the organisation's essential work. The visit was warmly welcomed by Sharon McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of Loughs Agency, who emphasised the importance of showcasing the Agency's pivotal role in safeguarding aquatic ecosystems, especially in light of current environmental challenges.

During his visit, Minister Muir explored the Agency's facilities and witnessed live demonstrations and discussions led by key personnel. He acknowledged the Agency's commitment to addressing present challenges and planning for a sustainable future. The visit involved a comprehensive exploration of the Agency's facilities, featuring live demonstrations and discussions led by key personnel.

L-R) David Simpson DAERA Corporate Branch, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, Board Member Laurence Arbuckle, Chief Executive Officer of Loughs Agency, Sharon McMahon, Board Member Conor Corr and Joanne McClements DAERA Corporate Branch

Minister Muir commended the dedicated team for their tireless efforts and expressed his eagerness to work with the Agency over the time ahead. He also affirmed DAERA’s support for Loughs Agency in the environmental landscape, emphasizing the continued importance of the Agency's work.

Environmental Ecologist Andrew Rice, Director of Corporate Services JP O’Doherty, and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir

“The efforts undertaken by Loughs Agency are indispensable for the health of our waterways and the preservation of our fisheries," said Minister Muir. "Loughs Agency remains a key player in our environmental efforts, and this visit reaffirms the government's commitment to collaboration and support for initiatives contributing to a sustainable and thriving environment."

The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to gain a deeper understanding of the Agency's research and preservation initiatives. It is hoped that the visit will help to further strengthen the government's collaboration with Loughs Agency in its efforts to safeguard Northern Ireland's aquatic ecosystems.

Marine Scientist Ben Holly and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir

(L-R) Fisheries Inspector Jason McCartney, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, and Director of Conservation and Protection Seamus Cullinan

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, and Director of Conservation and Protection Seamus Cullinan

Published in Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in Loughs Agency

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Loughs Agency

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its 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. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.