Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest lake, on Saturday last. Despite living here for about a half century I've never got such a view of it or realised how damn beautiful it is. That's because the lake and most of its shoreline are in private hands, due ultimately to colonial violence.
"Damn" beautiful because the shimmering azure surface hides an ugly reality- after decades of struggling, Lough Neagh's ecosystem is now dead, from unregulated agricultural and industrial pollution.
Those are the Mountains of Mourne on the horizon. Photo was taken from Ardboe on the western shore, in a kindly donated field where #ClimateCampIreland was held.
Day of action took place at Moy Park Chicken, Craigavon- chronic polluters and animal welfare abusers: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3d95x21kxro
One of the funniest-not-so-funny things was #MoyPark's statement in response:
"Scientists have identified a number of drivers behind the algae blooms on Lough Neagh; it is a complex issue not specifically linked to any one sector... We are continuing to work with the regulator on measures to further improve facility wastewater quality and lower the associated cost of trade effluent treatment, as well as to enhance nutrient management across our wider Northern Irish poultry supply chain."
AidanK 🇵🇸🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️