A Lough Neagh eel fisherman has sought leave in the High Court in Belfast to take a judicial review against DAERA over a failure to prevent toxic blue-green algae in Lough Neagh.
In an affidavit to the court, Declan Conlon outlined how a number of generations of his family had fished the Lough, but that way of life has now been destroyed by the algal blooms.
The basis for the action is an argument that the department continues to rely on inadequate plans and unenforced regimes to prevent a build-up of pollution in the lough.
In particular, the case raises questions about how agricultural pollution is addressed by DAERA.
The judicial review is being backed by two campaign groups - Friends of the Earth NI and River Action UK.
In an initial hearing at the High Court on Tuesday, Conlon set out a number of grounds for a full judicial review.
The judge, Mr Justice McAlinden, indicated that there may be a case to argue, but urged both sides to reach a consensus on the key legal points.
It is understood that the main basis for a case might be the failure of DAERA to update the 2019 Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). Since the NAP was introduced in 2007, it has been reviewed and revised every three to five years.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union are among the named parties in the case, so they would have a right to participate if the action proceeds. The case was adjourned until 1 May 2026.
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