UPGRADE…Alex Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council pictured with from left, Alama Kinnear, Lisnaskea Chamber, Councillors Paul Robinson and Cyril Brownlee, Lynda McQueen SWARD,Derek Friel, Community Constable and Brian Cosgrove Lisnaskea Village Renewal Group at the Lisnaskea land mark in recognition of work carried out in Towns and villages
ENVIRONMENTAL improvements at Lisnaskea and Irvinestown have been welcomed by residents and visitors alike.
At Irvinestown, The Commons, a small green space area which overlooks the town, has been converted into an attractive community amenity, complete with new seating, steps, handrails, paving and planting.
At Lisnaskea, the upgrade includes the installation of specially commissioned ‘Welcome’ features on the approach roads to the town.
They are finished in granite, with stainless steel lettering.
The upgrading in both towns was made possible with funding from South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD). It delivers the NI Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) which is funded by the EU and DARD.
Fermanagh District Council provide match funding.
In Lisnaskea, under-utilised green spaces at Sylvan Hill and Castlebalfour have been transformed into welcoming and visually attractive community spaces by means of a planting and landscaping programme.
All the works undertaken were identified by local residents as part of the council’s Integrated Village Action Plan initiative.
The enhancement work, in both towns, is part of this initiative where 12 rural settlements across the District were awarded £66,666 each by SWARD.
Fermanagh council then undertook a programme of economic, environmental and social improvements.
In Irvinestown, works included the installation of a digital information kiosk to provide residents of and visitors to Irvinestown with up to date information about the area, and the placing of five bespoke sandstone entrance features on the entrance roads into Irvinestown.
Henry Keys, the chairman of Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company, commented: “It has enhanced Irvinestown, for both locals and visitors alike.
“Tourists can now access local information at the Information kiosk, and local residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the improved outdoor space at the Commons, especially on warm sunny days from spring-time through to autumn.”
Brian Cosgrove, Lisnaskea Town Renewal Group, acknowledge the work of Garbhan McCaffrey, a local architect, who designed the entrance features which are unique to Lisnaskea.
“The overall scheme of signage and landscaping has made a significant impact to the visual focus on the town and has received overwhelming praise from the townspeople,” he said.
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