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A meeting in Omeath last weekend has seen the launch of a new environment protection group. Carlingford Loughkeepers stemmed from the formation of a steering group in Newry in the autumn of 2024 with a view to establishing a group to monitor the health and Development of Carlingford Lough, to protect the Lough, and to Challenge any group or organisation not acting in the interest of the wellbeing of the Lough.
There followed a public meeting in Newry and subsequently on Saturday 26 of April a meeting was held in Omeath. Over 60 people were in attendance from around the Lough, North and South.
A committee of 13 people was formed and they can co-opt more as needed. A list of interested persons was also compiled for subgroups.
The Subgroups plan to look at: water and air quality; take account of climate change and the impact of fishing, farming, industrial development and other practices; Promote Biodiversity, through monitoring, education and research; Promote networking among the many groups already working in this area.
Where bad practices are found the group hopes to challenge these, and make the information available in the public domain.
Carlingford Loughkeepers also plan to include: Beach clean-ups, Rocky shore forage, Bird counts, Litter pick-ups, Citizen science and biological recording of local biodiversity and work towards wildlife rescue, for which they will need training and funding.
They also plan to work alongside officials to enhance and improve habitat for biodiversity.
If you would like to get involved in the group, look out for them on Facebook & Instagram in the coming weeks or contact their secretary at carlingfordloughkeepers@gmail.com
