In a major step forward for conservation and countryside collaboration, wildfowling clubs and individual leaseholders from around Lough Neagh have overwhelmingly agreed to the principle of forming a new umbrella organisation, likely to be named the Lough Neagh Wildfowlers Association.

The decision was reached following a well-attended meeting hosted last night at Ballyronan Marina by the Lough Neagh Partnership. With over 90% of attendees voting in favour, representatives were nominated from all sides of the lough, including those with individual leases, to form a steering group that will begin shaping the new association.

Gary McCartney of Countryside Alliance Ireland welcomed the news, calling it “a hugely positive move with many benefits,” and added: “The work starts here, and CAI stands ready to assist, not only the steering group but also any future association that emerges from this process.”

The initiative has been widely praised as a proactive response to long-standing calls for greater unity, improved communication, and stronger representation of wildfowlers’ interests around the lough. The steering group is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks, aiming to establish a formal structure and clear objectives for the new body.

This landmark development marks a fresh chapter for Lough Neagh’s wildfowling community, with a renewed focus on collaboration, sustainability, and shared stewardship of one of Northern Ireland’s most vital natural assets.