Lough Neagh Partnership 2017-2022 Charlie Monaghan (LNP Manager) and Dr William Burke ( Landscape Partnership Manager) Background

• Established 2003 • Board consists of reps from 5 Councils, private and community sector and special interest groups • Works closely with government agencies • Core Staff – Manager (part-time), Marketing Officer and Administrator • Other staff to deliver the Heritage Lottery Funded Landscape Partnership and to develop and implement a Shoreline Management Plan ( NIEA). • Has attracted investment of £14million Mission and Vision

Mission To coordinate, facilitate and deliver a wide range of tourism, culture and heritage, environmental and recreational initiatives for the sustainable development and management of Lough Neagh Vision A well managed sustainable Lough Neagh valued by current and future generations Priorities

Governance Marketing Programme Delivery • Tourism • Heritage and culture • Recreation • The Environment • Attracting investment Governance

2016 - New Lough Neagh Development Trust established ( Interim Directors) Aim is to acquire the bed and soil of Lough Neagh ( Shaftesbury Estate in full agreement provided the Trust can provide evidence of its management capabilities). Essential to gain cross Departmental support Currently open for membership as Friends of Lough Neagh Lough Neagh Partnership will probably become the operational wing of the new trust but this will not happen for a number of years. In meantime, LNP will continue to operate as at present. Tourism

Each of the 5 linked Councils has a remit for tourism development and promotion. LNP will work with each Council to promote the Lough Neagh element of their tourism strategies ( MUDC is the only council which has published its tourism strategy) Lough Neagh offers opportunities for outdoor recreation but suffers from comparable issues of a lack of developed product, difficult access (to the water) and shared decision making amongst local authorities. Other weaknesses of the area include limited collaboration amongst tourism providers to develop activity based packages with local accommodation and weak marketing of the area (for activities). Tourism

Each Council wants to ensure that their Tourism strategy is implemented LNP will work with Mid to address the issues outlined in the MUDC Tourism Strategy whilst adopting an integrated approach to the entire Lough Neagh tourism offering. Already commenced work with a number of cluster groups relating to LN Food, Activities, Eco Tourism and Heritage to define tourism offering, identify gaps, develop marketing strategy and assist businesses to develop a sales methodology. Will address weaknesses as outlined in the strategy. Other programmes

Shoreline Management Plan - part funded by NIEA, which will benefit farmers through the new Environmental Farm Scheme.

Water Pro – a water quality project under the EU Northern Peripheries Programme. Attracting investment

LNP has demonstrated its ability to attract grant funding , the most recent being the Heritage Lottery funded Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership Opportunities within current Rural Development Programme regarding tourism and cooperation which can benefit Mid Ulster Also need to develop new relationships ( post Brexit) and we have already made initial contact with an American university based project. LNP will continue to pursue these opportunities. Core LNP Funding

3 councils with large shoreline Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon £22,000 Approved /Newtownabbey £22,000 under consideration MUDC £22,000 In budget awaiting approval ( reduction of £3000 each) 2 councils with small shoreline /Castlereagh £3,500. In budget awaiting approval Mid and East Antrim £3,500 . Meeting to discuss. Lough Neagh Partnership

Workload has increased substantially. Anticipate closer cooperation with councils and more integrated approach to Lough Neagh

Request that you recommend approval of the £22,000.

Some information on the LN Landscape Partnership from William Burke Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership

• Partnership based programme • Covers all of Lough Neagh • Aims to protect, conserve and develop the natural, built and cultural heritage around Lough Neagh over five year period, from 2016-2021 • Community focused and Forum led • Strong regional strategic focus combining partner objectives with the aim of establishing a sustainable and resourced legacy Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership

• 27 broad programme headings hosting in excess of 100+ projects relating to: • Natural Heritage – peatland conservation & management, biodiversity promotion, environmental education, countryside access, litter-less Lough, species & habitat protection • Built Heritage – archaeological surveys, historic building conservation, schools engagement, heritage skills training, heritage, experimental archaeology • Cultural Heritage – people, songs, stories, myths & legends, World War II local history, exhibitions, publications, placenames etc • Heritage Tourism – two visitor centres, 24 planned tours, tour leaders trained, strategic heritage signage programme for the whole Lough • Volunteer training and wider heritage education Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership • Main funder - Heritage Lottery • Match Funders – District Councils, NGO’s Government Departments, Universities and Community Organisations • Total project value - £3,528,058.00 • Grant from HLF - £2,494,900.00 • MUDC Contribution - £99,059.00 • Projected spend in the MUDC area - £786,409.00 • Leverage of £7.94 invested for every £1.00 committed by Council • LNLP Team continuously looking for other funding opportunities that will further maximise Council’s financial commitment Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership Progress in the MUDC area - Oct. 16 to Mar. 17 • Building conservation and geophysical investigation works at Church island • Development works for the Pilgrimage Trail & car park • Ardboe Cross & Abbey geophysical survey • Heritage signage programme initiated • Regional symposium