The former Devenish College/Duke of Westminster site in Kesh which has been vacant for a number of years gkfh6
Christmas has come early to the folk of north Fermanagh after a £1m funding package was confirmed for new community facilities.
The money from the Space and Place Programme has been awarded following an application by Ederney Community Development Trust, Kesh Development Association and the then Fermanagh District Council to develop new community facilities in Ederney and Kesh.
Work on the North Fermanagh Valley project will begin in mid 2016 and will involve development of the old Duke of Westminster High School site to develop a running track, a floodlit football pitch and BMX track along with changing rooms. In Ederney the project will develop an open farm and support an exciting initiative to build a community gym on the site of the GAA grounds.
Welcoming news of the development Chairman of the North Fermanagh Valley Project Mervyn Duncan said: “We are delighted that joint working between Kesh and Ederney has resulted in the significant Space and Place funding. We know that this investment in our local economy will bring real and tangible results economically, socially and in terms of promoting positive community relations.”
Mervyn who is also Chairman of Kesh Development Association paid tribute to the wide local support for the project citing the excellent response to comprehensive community consultation as a key aspect of the application process.
Sean Donnelly co-chairman of the North Fermanagh Valley Project noted the excellent support given by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and said: “We look forward to developing community facilities that can be used by everyone in the North Fermanagh area. This investment in our community represents a solid foundation stone for further work to allow North Fermanagh to realise its full potential through tourism, sport and a vibrant business economy.”
Sean further thanked Collette McHugh, chairman of Ederney Community Trust for her leadership throughout the project and Neville Armstrong, treasurer of Kesh Development Association for his support throughout the application process.
Local Independent Councillor Raymond Farrell added: “This £1 million investment is absolutely fantastic news for north Fermanagh and particularly the forward thinking communities in the villages of Kesh and Ederney.
“The confidence that the funders showed in this innovative project is certainly not misplaced ant the facilities planned in their various forms will be wide ranging and meet local community need. I congratulate everyone who made this possible.”
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