Lough Neagh rivers clean up day was 'a huge success'

THE 2026 Annual River Cleanup Day was a ‘huge success’, with ever more angling clubs from the Lough Neagh Catchment taking part.

This year, clubs included The Antrim and District Angling Club, The Ballynure Angling Club, Crumlin and District Angling Association, The Kells, Connor and Glenwherry Angling Club, The Randalstown Angling Club, The Ballinderry Bridge Angling Club, the Maine Angling Club and the Glenavy Conservation and Angling Club.

Jim Gregg of Antrim and District and Ballynure Angling clubs, welcomed the impressive turn out.

“The 2026 River Clean Up day has been a huge success,” he said.

“Both clubs joined with eight other angling clubs from around Lough Neagh to see tonnes of waste removed from our rivers and the shores of the lough.

“This was an initiative that started with the angling clubs on the Six Mile Water back in 2016 and has now, under the guidance of the Lough Neagh Rivers Trust, grown to include even more clubs from around the Lough Neagh catchment.

“This year has seen the biggest participation to date, and we hope to see even more taking part next year.”

The last Saturday in February is chosen for the annual River Clean-Up Day for two reasons.

“Firstly, it coincides with the opening of the fishing season, which encourages anglers to come out and help clean their rivers.

“Secondly, it is at a time of year when the vegetation along our rivers is at its lowest, allowing more rubbish and waste to be lifted that has been left high and dry after winter floods.

“Underlying this cleanup, however, is the still very real and concerning issue of what we, as a society, do with our rubbish to address the ongoing problem.

“Items removed from the rivers included electrical appliances, packaging, plastic bottles, clothing, tyres, corrugated iron, ladders, bicycles and much, much more. The huge question is, how does all this waste end up in our rivers?

“We need to clean up our act, protect our rivers, our roadside verges and our towns and villages.

“We, as angling clubs, will continue to work on our rivers, but we can’t do it alone. If anyone witnesses fly tipping, dumping, or even general littering, don’t be afraid to report it or challenge it. We all must aim to get the waste dumped outside down to zero.”