Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

AERA Committee Visits Lough Neagh Eels Tommebridge and Enva’s Recycling and Resource Recovery Facility, on 26 March 2026

AERA Committee visits Lough Neagh Eels, Toomebridge

On 26 March 2026, the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee visited Lough Neagh Eels in Toomebridge to hear directly from representatives of the fishing, meat processing and recycling sectors about the challenges and opportunities facing rural industries.

The Committee heard from representatives of Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Ltd, who highlighted the impact of ongoing water quality issues on the eel fishing industry.

Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of the current Eel Management Programme, support levels for fishermen, limited water quality testing, restrictions on sourcing glass eels for restocking, and the effects of blue-green algae on fish stocks. Representatives also stressed the need for greater engagement and support from DAERA

Celebrating Lough Neagh’s Fishing Heritage

Members toured the Co-operative’s facilities and learned more about Lough Neagh, home to Europe’s largest wild eel fishery. Lough Neagh eels hold Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status and are renowned for their remarkable 6,000km migration to and from the Sargasso Sea.

The Committee also visited the Co-operative’s new Visitor Centre, which showcases the history of fishing on the lough and the lifecycle of the European eel. The centre is attracting visitors from across Ireland and beyond, while supporting efforts to promote Lough Neagh eel products to hotels and restaurants throughout the UK and Ireland.

Chair Robbie Butler MLA thanked Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Ltd for their contributions, noting the importance of hearing directly from industry stakeholders as the Committee continues its scrutiny of policies affecting agriculture, fisheries, the environment and rural communities.

Learn more about Lough Neagh Eels in Toomesbridge

 

Enva Showcases Recycling and Resource Recovery Innovation

The Committee also toured Enva’s recycling and resource recovery facility in Toomebridge, where Members heard from employees about the company's contribution to the circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Enva Group is a leading recycling and resource recovery business operating across the UK and Ireland, employing more than 1,700 people and supporting over 20,000 commercial, industrial and municipal customers. The company specialises in transforming complex and difficult-to-handle waste streams into valuable new materials and sustainable energy sources.

During the visit, Members learned about Enva’s work in hazardous and specialist waste management, including the recovery of waste oils, batteries and industrial chemicals. The Committee also heard about the company's growing role in electric vehicle battery recycling, recycled plastics production and wood recycling operations.

Learn more about Enva Recycling and Resource Recovery Facility

 

Hear from AERA Committee Chair Robbie Butler MLA as he discusses the Committee’s visit to Lough Neagh Eels and Enva and the key issues raised during the day: