GOING GOING GONE?…Necarne Castle has been put up for sale
THE ‘magical kingdom’ lookalike facility, Necarne Castle and estate, outside Irvinestown, is for sale or lease.
It is owned by the ratepayers of the county and has been operated on their behalf by Fermanagh District Council.
Speaking at Monday night’s Council meeting, local member, Bert Johnston said he would welcome it very much that something was at last happening.
John O’Kane, who lives in Irvinestown, also welcomed it, and he asked if there was any prospect of the NI Environment Agency providing funding for remedial works that were required.
Robert Gibson, the council’s director of leisure and tourism, reported that discussions were taking place for work to the castle itself, but that the council had yet to have full confirmation. He was informed that this might be forthcoming.
A third Erne North councillor, Raymond Farrell said he would be very pleased if funding was available: “There is a history there and it would be sad to let it die.”
He went on: “It is an absolute jewel and I would love to see it developed and utilised to the full.”
His fellow Erne North councillor, Rosemary Barton was also delighted at the news, but she remarked how the walls and facade of the castle had deteriorated over the last few years.
She hoped that this would be set right.
When Councillor Johnston suggested that ‘a spruced Necarne’ could perhaps be the new location for the council buildings, the chairman, Thomas O’Reilly quipped: “We have a fine building here.”
Speaking afterwards, Robert Gibson, confirmed that Necarne Estate was on the market, either for lease or for sale.
“We would like people to be aware of that. It is an important site which, at the moment, is on lease to the Department of Agriculture (DARD).
“Its sale or lease is with DARD’s agreement, in fact they have requested that.”
Mr Gibson explained that, while until recently, Enniskillen Agricultural College used the equestrian centre at Necarne for courses, they could now provide most of what they require at the college.
“They are trying to streamline their operations so everything is delivered on site, at the college. They now have their own equestrian facilities at the college and, so, from a financial point of view, one site is less expensive than running two.”
He said the arena at Necarne was part of what was on offer, for sale or lease.
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