A community paddlesports club in Fermanagh has raised concerns about the state of litter lining the banks of Lough Erne, describing the issue as not only a “blight on the environment” but also “detrimental to the local economy”.

During a recent kayaking trip, members of Erne Paddlers were alarmed by the amount of waste they encountered, including shopping trollies, wheelie bins, parking cones, plastic bottles and more.

Paul (Harry) Harrington, General Manager of Erne Paddlers, commented that a lot of this litter had been there for months, and that, upon enquiry, it seems that no agency has responsibility for such waste once it is on the shoreline or in the water.

He noted that this litter was not only a “blight on the environment”, but also “detrimental to the local economy”, as the Erne is an important aspect of both community life and the tourist industry alike, adding that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council had called littering “disgraceful” in a notice on their own waste bins.

Erne Paddlers now hopes that statutory agencies such as Waterways Ireland; the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA); the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and others come together to address the problem.

The club believes that the lack of overall authority throughout the Erne catchment area has led to several issues, such as litter and water quality, not being adequately addressed.

As a result, the club is working with a newly-formed conservation group, Save Lough Erne Catchment, to raise awareness and to lobby key agencies to form a management group responsible for Lough Erne.

Erne Paddlers is also encouraging members of the public to join in the initiative of Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP), which is organising a litter pick around the Erne on April 28 and 29.

The ‘Big Big Fermanagh Litterpick’ will take place on water and land, and members of the public can take part any time during this period.

From Belleek to Rosslea, Belcoo to Lack and everywhere in between, the aim is to litterpick all across the county of Fermanagh and around Lough Erne.

As a not-for profit registered charity and community organisation, Erne Paddlers recognises that the Erne is a vital part of the local community and ecosystem, and believes that it is imperative that the litter issue is addressed as soon as possible by the relevant authorities.

The Impartial Reporter contacted Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, DAERA, DfI and Waterways Ireland regarding how they were tackling the issue of litter in and around Lough Erne.

In response, a DfI spokesperson said: “The Department focuses on protecting the drainage function of watercourses.

“The Department is not responsible for the removal of litter or debris from the bed or banks of a watercourse such as Lough Erne, unless it is considered that the materials may cause a significant impediment to the efficiency or flow of the water.”

A Waterways Ireland spokesperson said: “Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, maintain ... public facilities and strive to keep them litter-free.

“Outside of these facilities, Waterways Ireland are not in ownership of foreshore or the bed and soil of Lough Erne, and are therefore not responsible for the control of litter in these areas.”

“Littering in general is under the remit of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.”

A Fermanagh and Omagh District Council response spokesperson said: “The Council undertakes its role in relation to litter in the context of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 and Litter (NI) Order 1994 to ensure that 'relevant land' in its area is, so far as is practicable, kept clear of litter.

“In broad terms, relevant land is defined as all ‘open land to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access with or without payment’. This includes cleansing responsibilities for adopted roads, but not private land.

“In relation to the shores of Lough Erne, landowners are responsible for clearing litter on land in private ownership.

“Areas of public land involve a multi-agency approach with the Council removing litter at the shoreline around Enniskillen and also on any shoreline land owned by the Council.

“Normally, 3-4 litter picks of the Lough Erne shore will take place annually and these are either undertaken by the Council directly, or in partnership with local voluntary groups and supported by the Council.”

The spokesperson further highlighted “the 'Big Big Fermanagh Litter Pick' which is being hosted and organised by the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, and will take place on April 28 and April”, adding: “Lough Erne is included as part of the area covered by this event”.

Also responding to this paper, a DAERA spokesperson replied: “Responsibility for the removal of litter along the shoreline in the vicinity of Lough Erne lies with the local council.

“DAERA works closely with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB) to raise awareness of how to prevent litter ending up in the environment and encourage behaviour change through education and community support.

“Measures encouraging reuse, recycling and reduction in single-use plastics are all aimed at reducing litter at source.

“Anyone who has concerns about litter or wish to report a problem should contact their local council.”

The spokesperson added: “If you have any concerns about water pollution in your local area or want to report a water pollution incident, NIEA has a water pollution hotline at 0800 80 70 60, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also has a dedicated emergency pollution email address at emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk for pollution issues that are not urgent or need immediate attention.”