An area of enormous environmental and cultural significance,
in a climate crisis we must ask why are we building in floodplains and precious homes for wildlife?
The Past - For years locals, scientists and conservationists have tried to prevent the destruction of an area of enormous environmental and cultural significance. A devastating act of institutionalised vandalism, despite years of hard work and battles in Court, the truth and injustice of this construction has not been exposed fully to the public. The courage and strength of the people involved to continue to fight is fueled by the vital importance of this natural ecosystem and the need for truth and justice. The ecological importance, cultural significance and natural beauty - is undeniably worth it. Our Cultural Heritage:
Despite the existence of 11 alternatives, the construction of a new dual carriageway between Toome and Castledawson will send 23,000+ vehicles per day thundering through the heart of Heaney Country just 50 metres from his Childhood home at Mossbawn where one of several motorway flyovers will dominate the landscape. The motorway is set to churn up and permanently alter the charm and charisma of many of the places immortalised in his writing such as 'The Broagh,' ;Mossbawn,' 'Hillhead,' Anahorish' 'Lagans Road' and 'The Strand at Lough Beg.'
Environmental Heritage:
The 4 lane dual carrigeway runs within yards of one of the last intact wetland expanse in Northern Ireland. This area (protected under RAMSAR, ASSI, National Nature Reserve and Natura 200 designations) is one of the best places in Ireland to see wintering Whooper Swans that migrate here each winter from Iceland, who feed in the very plains the road cuts through. It is a place of wild beauty famous for its archaeology, rare birds and plants. It is a protected Wilderness that is being willfully failed by the Northern Irish Government. The Present - Despite years of hard work, final permissions were granted and bulldozers arrived. The ecocide that is presently occurring, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, orchestrated by the Department for Infrastructure and funded by the NI government, is destroying our natural environment and cultural heritage without causing a scene to alarm us. We need to act quickly or regret it forever. What will we say to those who come to visit the new cultural Centre in Bellaghy when they ask to take a tour of the famous landscape and the Heaney Homeplace? "Sorry..it's gone..there is a motorway there now"
What will we tell our children? "There used to be still, clean water and an abundance of nature, swans grazed here half the year. Not anymore"
All over the country, local people are becoming activists, to speak up for this injustice against nature. We will not let our government get away with this, TELL THE TRUTH. With the phone-campaign, we want you to ask the departments and organisations involved yourself, let them try to justify this and pierce the layer of superficial lies. Find out what lives and depends on Lough Beg, many species are protected under NI and European Law, yet their natural habitat is being destroyed leaving no future for wildlife. We encourage you to become familiar and depict the species that live there, they exist and deserve recognition!. has already seen some unique and beautiful animals being celebrated. This delicate and vital ecosystem supplies us with more than just clean water, air and earth, it provides us with the space to see beauty in our present moment. These species require a harmonious balance unspoiled by light and noise, no amount of money or planning can maintain this peace with a motorway through the heart of the Whooper Swans homeland. The Future - Both Derry & Belfact City Councils have declared a Climate Emergency and have agreed to reduce our carbon emissions yet their actions contradict this agreement. Wetlands are a huge carbon sink, in many other countries, wetlands are respected and protected by Law, with scientists and governments recognising the importance of these natural havens. In Donegal, Inch Wildfowl Reserve is a space for people and nature to breath, a great example of what could be. Innovative walkways or bicycle paths that monopolise on the already clear space, but allowing minimal permanent damage and allowing nature to return and flourish with a path for all to enjoy and learn. We want a sustainable and healthy future for not just the International migratory birds that thrive here but importantly the people of Northern Ireland and further afield. For the culture of Heaneys poetry, the inspiration for traditional music and art to be protected. Despite widespread bulldozing in this area, concrete has not been laid and we see a brighter future. If traffic never passes, nature will return. Sign the petition. Routing for Seamus. Will leave you with his words:
"But then once in a lifetime
The longed for tidal wave
of justice can rise up
and hope and history rhyme
So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge
Believe that further shore
is reachable from here
Believe in Miracle
and Cures and Healing Wells"
