Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy has welcomed the announcement by the Earl of Shaftesbury that he is willing to discuss the future of Lough Neagh with the Assembly.

Mr. Molloy said: "The Lough is a huge eco system on which many people depend upon for their livelihood and indeed their life through the supply of drinking water so it important that it is managed properly.

"I welcome the Earl of Shaftesbury’s willingness to discuss the future of the Lough and his emphasis on the needs of the people who live along side and those who work the Lough to be put at the forefront of any decisions to be made.

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"In my meeting with the Earl today he confirmed that land owners whose land abuts the shoreline will be able to have this land transferred to them for minimum sum, this is big step forward and I welcome this gesture from the Earl.

"I believe it is in the best interests of everyone that the Lough comes under public ownership so that it can managed to the benefit of all the users and those living along side it.The working group in the Assembly should immediately set up the meeting requested by the Earl and move the acquisition of the Lough to the next stage."

(GK)