The Lough Neagh Strategic Fund owes its origins to the success of the original Loughshores Area Based Strategy funded under the 1994 -1999 Rural Development Programme, which focused on the western and southern shores of the Lough. The initiative also has its origins in the Lough Neagh Management Strategy, a document produced by the Lough Neagh Advisory Committee and Co-ordinating Committee which considers and offers advice to issues facing the Lough.

The Lough Neagh Partnership

The Lough Neagh Partnership comprises representation from local authorities, statutory and community organisations , as well as stakeholders with a particular interest in the Lough. The Partnership considered and developed specific actions from the Management Strategy in anticipation of attracting strategic funding for the Lough. In 2003 the Partnership received a funding package of £3.2m under the Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity (BSP) for a major regeneration initiative for the entire Lough Neagh area.

The Lough Neagh Strategic Fund

The Lough Neagh Strategic Fund will support environmental, economic and social projects, which will assist with the sustainable development and management of this world-renowned wetland area. The funding available will create opportunities to improve and develop tourism, recreation, biodiversity, built heritage and local businesses. The Fund will also help brand and market the Lough.  All of the needs to be addressed are taken from the Lough Neagh Management Strategy.